Brendan Rodgers’s side enjoy a six-point cushion in holding fourth place ahead of Tottenham with 11 games left to play but the defender wants to stay focused on maintaining form

Liverpool defender Kolo Toure has called for his side to “stay calm” as they aim to tie up Champions League qualification.

Brendan Rodgers’s men currently occupy fourth spot in the Premier League, with a six-point cushion over nearest challengers Tottenham on their way to what would be their first progression to Europe’s top competition since 2008-09.

The defender is confident of the Reds’ chances but says that they must remain level-headed to be certain of reaching their target.

“We just need now to keep calm and do what we have been doing,” Toure told City Talk.

“If we continue that we will get the same results. There are going to be some tough games.

“Southampton [on Saturday] is a tough place to go but I think we can score goals and defend well as a team and we are working hard.

“We are in a good position at the moment [but], with 11 games to go, there are still a lot of things that can happen. We need to stay calm and focus on the next game.

Toure highlighted the motivational role played by Rodgers, enthusing: “The gaffer gives everyone confidence. When you step on the pitch you know that he’s behind supporting you.

“Everyone is trying to do their job the best they can and we need to keep doing that until the end of the season.”