Jay Spearing eager to keep Steven Gerrard partnership

Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing is hopeful that he can keep his spot in the middle of the park in order to continue his link-up with Steven Gerrard.

The 23-year-old has kept Charlie Adam out of the starting XI for the Reds' last two fixtures and reveals that playing alongside the club's skipper gives him a "massive" boost in confidence.

"Every game I play alongside 'Stevie G' is a massive confidence boost for me," said Spearing. "With me playing game after game it brings out my personal confidence and I am trying to show what I'm all about.

"From a personal point of view it was a bit of a disappointment not playing in the Carling Cup final but it is a team game and we all came through."

Liverpool remain in contention for a second piece of silverware this season after they progressed into the semi-finals of the FA Cup following a 2-1 victory over Stoke City on Sunday.