'Back canny Kenny' - SkySports

Kenny Dalglish admits that turning Liverpool's fortunes around will be "a big challenge" - but David Fairclough told Sky Sports News that the Scot is up to the job.

The Reds' 2-1 defeat at Blackpool on Wednesday was the team's 10th defeat in 21 league games and the second loss of Dalglish's second spell in charge at Anfield.

But Fairclough, who played for Liverpool from 1974-83, believes it won't be long before the Merseyside club's form improves.

"Kenny's been around the club for just under two years in a professional capacity so he's seen an awful lot of things that have been going on - what development is going on in terms of the youth system and the reserve players," explained Fairclough.

"Kenny is pretty au fait, I think, broadly with what is going on within the club; he will take a little bit of time to get to know more about the personalities of those players who are in the first-team squad because he hasn't spent so much time with them.

"But he knows exactly what Liverpool needs. He will leave nothing to risk. His natural enthusiasm, desire and will to win will soon be apparent; I'm sure the players will have experienced it already.

"He can be a little bit calmer and reserved in front of the cameras but I suspect behind the scenes that there is no hiding his actual determination to turn things around and make it happen."

Strengthening

Liverpool's principal owner John Henry is likely to attend Sunday's Merseyside derby at Anfield before meeting up with Dalglish - an opportunity Fairclough believes the manager must grab if he is to strengthen his squad.

"There are two weeks still left of the transfer window," he said. "I'd like to think that Kenny does have ideas on one or two players or positions in particular; he will definitely feel that Liverpool need strengthening and hopefully the owners can make funds available to bring that about.

"The left-back position is causing a problem and the defence as a whole looks very uncertain.

"We're very unfortunate to have lost Jamie Carragher at this time because he does bring a sense of organisation to the backline.

"But at the moment Jamie is still a few weeks away from being fit and [we'll see] whether or not Liverpool can afford to be so disorganised across the back.

"Naturally, [buying] a forward of some type is a priority. Much has been said about a lot of the burden falling on Fernando Torres' shoulders to score the goals and he does clearly need some help."

Responsibility

The more immediate focus, though, is on Sunday's Merseyside derby and how Liverpool will cope without Carragher and the suspended Steven Gerrard.

"Players have to step up to the plate and take responsibility," said Fairclough. "I don't know if we saw enough of that last night (Wednesday).

"No-one will be left in any doubt in the build-up to Sunday's game about what is needed; it's a huge game and there will be a great atmosphere and sometimes when the atmosphere has been excellent at Anfield this season Liverpool have been able to produce that little bit extra.

"That will be clearly needed when we play Everton."