Liverpool legend Peter Beardsley hopes fans get behind Roberto Martinez if the Wigan Athletic manager accepts the Reds job. Martinez has failed to ignite the optimism of Liverpool fans, many of whom believe a more experienced manager should be tasked with getting the club back into the Champions League.

Former striker Beardsley hopes the Spaniard, if appointed, will be able to win them over with his style of football.

However, the ex-England international admits he believes FSG rushed into the decision to sack Dalglish after the club's eighth-placed finish this season.

"I think they panicked by getting rid of Dalglish," he told talkSPORT.

"I think they should have given him another year and seen where it goes.

"But Roberto has done well at Swansea and Wigan, he's come through the system and his type of football will appeal to the Liverpool fans."