Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish says Glen Johnson could be the missing link for their title push this season.

Dalglish, back at Liverpool as part of the Academy staff, said: "Attacking full-backs have always been important to the way Liverpool sides have played.

"Historically, even going back to the days of Shankly, we have always been a club who have put great faith in players in those positions having a certain comfort on the ball.

"Even in teams where there were out-and-out wingers, you could normally rely on the full-backs getting forward to join in with the attack.

"I think Glen Johnson will prove to be an excellent acquisition over the course of his Anfield career.

"I also think that he can improve as a defender at Liverpool. He's proven he can attack with the best of them, and he's secured the position of first-choice full-back at international level under Fabio Capello so he can defend.

"But working on things with Rafa and having a player of the experience of Carra playing in the same back four will benefit him in the long run.

"Ultimately, the more threat you carry going forward, the better that will be for our prospects this season.

"He's British, so there's no cultural barrier to him settling down at Melwood, and he'll know most of the boys having played with them for England or against them in the league and cups. It's all positive."