Mike Marsh has challenged Liverpool's players to kick off the New Year in the same manner they ended 2012 - by building on a comprehensive 3-0 victory against QPR and beating Sunderland at Anfield.

The stylish win over Harry Redknapp's men was the perfect response to the bitter disappointment of a Boxing Day defeat to Stoke.

And Marsh believes the same character which helped the team bounce back at Loftus Road can aid the Reds in achieving a consistency that will see them scale the table in 2013.

"The manager has already mentioned it and if we manage to achieve a level of consistency I think we will climb up the league table and on towards the top end," Marsh told Liverpoolfc.com. "It's vital that we get that consistency.

"Not just at Anfield but when we are away from home as well. Because we have certainly got the ability but now it's just about showing it on a more regular basis.

"We've had a few things thrown at us since the Stoke game - about there being a lack of character and other things. But I think the lads have displayed great character in coming back.

"We lost 3-1 on Boxing Day but to come back and win a game immediately afterwards, and to win like that, shows how much spirit we have got."

The Reds host Sunderland tonight hoping to clinch their fifth home win of the 2012-13 season against a side who were beaten by Tottenham in their last game but were victorious against league champions Manchester City before that.

"Sunderland will be a difficult game," insisted Marsh. "There are no easy games in this league - we got beat by Stoke and we got beat by Aston Villa at home.

"But if we apply ourselves and play the way we know we can, I'm sure we will get a positive result. If we take our foot off the gas, then anything can happen.

"We always want to progress and move up the table. We finished eighth last year - so we'll look to top that and keep progressing."