John Barnes has urged Liverpool fans not to get carried away.

Anfield idol Barnes believes a serious title assault is some way off and a top-four finish this term will represent a job well done for his old team-mate and boss Kenny Dalglish.

Barnes, 48, told the Daily Star: "I urge Liverpool fans not to get carried away with what we did last year under Kenny and not to start thinking that all of a sudden things are going to continue in the same vein this season and we are going to be top of the league.

"It was always going to be ­difficult for Liverpool because of how well Kenny did last year.

"What he did was maximise the potential of his team and the players he had at his disposal. But I don't think they are strong enough to maintain what they did last year.

"They can be in the top four - third or fourth - but I don't think they can win it."