Brendan Rodgers 'to push Steven Gerrard forward' for crunch Champions League tie

Brendan Rodgers is considering deploying Steven Gerrard in a more advanced position for Liverpool's crucial Champions League tie with Ludogorets Razgrad.

The Reds have only three points from four Group B games and will be knocked out if they lose in Bulgaria tonight and Basel avoid defeat to Real Madrid.

Gerrard, 34, was often a hero for the Merseysiders when playing off the striker on big European nights, but has not been able to influence games as much this season from a deeper midfield role.

According to The Independent, Rodgers is poised to push the former England captain further forward in an attempt to boost an attack which has found the net only four times in Liverpool's last seven games.

Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli remain injured and so Rickie Lambert could act as the foil for Gerrard, who scored a 93rd-minute winner as Liverpool won the reverse fixture 2-1 at Anfield in September.