Jonjo Shelvey believes Steven Gerrard is not only his ideal role model, but also the perfect neighbour too.

The 20-year-old recently moved in next door to the Liverpool captain and admits it provides him with an ideal opportunity to call on him for even more advice away from Melwood.

"Steven has been first class with me ever since I came into the club," explained Shelvey.

"I've moved in next door to him now which is even better because if you need any advice, he is always there.

"I get to see him quite a bit. I've not popped around for a cup of tea yet but he is always welcome to come around for a game of pool.

"He is just a great role model to learn from. You can't say enough about Stevie. He does his talking on and off the pitch. He lives the life of a proper professional footballer.

"His performances have been first class and he has been my perfect role model since day one and someone every young player can learn from. He fully deserved his England [Player of the Year] award."

Meanwhile, Shelvey believes Liverpool's performances in the recent 2-2 draws at Arsenal and Manchester City highlighted the progress being made under Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds could consider themselves unfortunate not to have collected three points in both fixtures, though the midfielder feels there are plenty of positives to be taken as the race for a top-four finish continues.

Shelvey said: "We are still going to keep pushing for fourth place. Brendan is starting to really get his point across and it is starting to show in our performances.

"We had a blip at Oldham in the FA Cup but in the last two league games against Arsenal and Manchester City we've played really well and deserved to get six points.

"There have been steps in the right direction. In the past few weeks, we've gone on quite a run in the Premier League."

Shelvey also paid tribute to Daniel Sturridge, who has fired four goals in six appearances since moving to Anfield from Chelsea at the start of the January transfer window.

He said: "Since Daniel has come in, he has been so first class. He is so sharp in and around the box.

"With his performances at Liverpool, he will start to get recognition and become a regular international as well."