The Reds are languishing in seventh spot, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea, after an indifferent campaign to date.

Rafa Benitez's men currently find themselves in a battle to finish in the top four rather than competing for the Barclays Premier League crown and Gerrard admits they have failed to live up to expectations this term.

"It's frustrating to be where we are in the league now because this was meant to be the year where we were going to be right up there all the way through," said Gerrard.

"It would mean everything to win it. It's frustrating not to have it already and I've come close on a couple of occasions.

"I will continue to fight for the Premier League from now until I stop playing. Hopefully I can add it to my collection because it would round off a fantastic career.

"It would be extra special if I could do it as captain in the next couple of years. I'm not sure how long I'm going to be captain for - probably another two or three years. If not as captain, then hopefully I can still lift it as a Liverpool player.

"Now, though, it's important for us to try to get back up to the top of the table."

more ambitions

Gerrard, who turns 30 in May, knows time is running out for him if he is to fulfil his dream of winning the title and bringing the crown back to Anfield for the first time since 1990.

"I've been around for 11 years and I'm getting towards the 30 years of age mark now, so I'm running out of time," added Gerrard. "I want to make the most of the next four or five years.

"I've still got many more ambitions and dreams that I want to fulfil before I finish."

Gerrard also has sights set on next summer's World Cup finals where he is expected to be a key man for England.

The Anfield ace would dearly love to help Fabio Capello's men lift the trophy in South Africa but more immediately he faces a vital run of Barclays Premier League matches for his club.

Before Christmas, Liverpool have successive home fixtures against Arsenal and Wigan Athletic, followed by a trip to bottom club Portsmouth and Gerrard knows three successive victories could thrust the Merseysiders back among the front-runners.