The midfielder believes that the Uruguay star has been one of the best footballers in the world this season and hopes that he can conjure up some magic to beat Zenit at Anfield

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has heaped praise on team-mate Luis Suarez, insisting that the Uruguayan striker has been the “player of the year”.

The 26-year-old, who cost the Reds £22.7 million back in 2011 and was shortlisted for the FIFPro World XI in 2012, has bagged an impressive 23 goals this term, including a haul of 18 in the Premier League.

“For me he’s been player of the year, across this league and a lot more leagues,” Gerrard told BBC Sport.

“There are probably only one or two people who you could say have been better than him this season.

“How much better can he get? I’m not sure, but it’s a scary thought if he does improve on how he’s been performing this season.”

Brendan Rodgers’s side trail Zenit St Petersburg 2-0 ahead of the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie at Anfield on Thursday and the England skipper is hoping Suarez can produce a bit of magic to keep the fixture alive.

“You remember top players for games like this – important goals and big performances that turn situations in your favour,” Gerrard added.

“We’re all there behind him as well – he’s not on his own – but I’d love nothing better than for this game to be decided on a bit of magic or brilliance from him.

“With the season he’s had, I think he does deserve it.”

Despite his long-term ambitions and speculation of interest from the likes of the Reds, Sunderland and Swansea City, the defender is happy to remain at Parkhead

Celtic defender Efe Ambrose has revealed he would relish a switch to the Premier League, amid speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool.

The Nigeria international has amassed 28 appearances and three goals since his £1.5 million move from Israel three years ago, and has proved a key figure in the Celtic rear-guard since his arrival.

Bhoys boss Neil Lennon revealed on Tuesday that a number of clubs have expressed interest in the defender, with Swansea, Sunderland and Liverpool all reportedly in the hunt for his signature.

“I am happy to linked with a club like Liverpool,” the defender told reporters.

“My dream is to play across the border.”

“The English league is the best but I am happy at Celtic. I love the fans here and we were unlucky against Juventus.”

And, despite a calamitous display in Celtic’s 3-0 defeat to Juventus in the Champions League last-16 first leg, Lennon is hoping to retain the services of the defensive stalwart for the foreseeable.

“I hope we don’t lose Efe in the summer,” said the Celtic manager.

“He’s just in the door and there’s more he can add to his game, but he has got a few admirers out there with his performances this season.

“There’s been nothing concrete, but I’ve been made aware of it, put it that way. There is definite interest from top teams in different countries.”

Brendan Rodgers’ side go into the Europa League game 2-0 down on aggregate and missing a host of big names, but the Spanish goalkeeper says the Anfield fans can turn the tie around

Pepe Reina insists Liverpool can still progress to the last 16 of the Europa League despite being 2-0 down on aggregate to Zenit St Petersburg and missing a host of attacking players for Thursday’s clash.

Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho are ineligible for Brendan Rodgers’ side while Fabio Borini is likely to miss the rest of the season with a dislocated shoulder, leaving options in forward areas thinly spread.

However, the Reds overcame Swansea at the weekend with an impressive 5-0 victory at home, and the Spanish goalkeeper has called on the famous Anfield crowd to cheer on their side once again.

“We’ll be fine, there’s no doubt the manager will work on [the formation] and we will produce a team that is capable of winning the game and go through to the next round,” he told the club’s official website.

“As the manager said after the game, the next goal in the tie is going to be vital – and if we can score that goal, with Anfield right behind us, it will be very, very important. We always have great chances at Anfield – five or six chances in front of goal – and this will be no different.

“Two-nil was not what we went [to Zenit] for, but we could have scored two or three goals and it would have been a different story. But it is the way it is and 2-0 is a very tough result to overturn, but if there is one place that can do it, it’s Anfield – there is no doubt about that.”

Reina hailed the influence his team’s supporters can have on the side while they are playing, and says a good atmosphere will be integral to any hopes Liverpool have of success on the night.

“Everybody knows about Anfield on a European night and I can tell you from experience, it’s very impressive when you play against Liverpool at Anfield,” he added. “The Chelsea second leg in 2007 was a good example. Anfield was rocking that night and I haven’t been in an atmosphere like that since.

“It’s up to both, players and fans. We have to show character from the beginning, especially in the first 15-20 minutes to get the people right behind us, but then they will lift us in the weak moments as they always do.

“I am really optimistic. It is a very difficult score to turn around, but with the supporters right behind us I think the mentality will be spot on.”