Kenny Dalglish
Dalglish is an important part of Liverpool, according to Lawrenson. REUTERS

Liverpool legend Tommy Smith has urged Kenny Dalglish to add a 'proven' striker to his ranks this month in order maintain their challenge for a top four finish.

Despite spending in excess of £50 million on the dual striker pairing of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January last year, Liverpool have toiled for goals all season.

Smith believes Liverpool would hugely benefit from having an active transfer window this month and they did in the last and intimates Kenny Dalglish should add at least two players to the Anfield ranks over January.

Liverpool have spent in excess of £100 million since the Fenway Sports Group took control of the club and although Smith is not expecting a similar expenditure on that scale, the former Anfield enforcer believes one or two new faces would be massively beneficial.

"I wouldn't expect the earth to move for us again next month, I would still love to see us make a couple of reinforcements." Smith told the Liverpool Echo.

"It's in midfield where we need strengthening. It's great to have Steven Gerrard back again but with Lucas out for the rest of the season, we (Liverpool) need another body in there.

Although Smith feels Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson are gradually adapting to life at Liverpool, he suggests Dalglish needs to add a greater attacking purpose to his midfield area.

"Charlie Adam is a good player who has made a positive impact, while young Jordan Henderson is still getting used to life at Anfield and has looked a bit overawed at times." The Liverpool icon continued.

"With Jay Spearing seemingly still fighting to convince one or two people that he can make the grade - and I'd love the lad to succeed - we really could do with strengthening.

"In particular, we've got to offer a more attacking threat from midfield. We're defending well from there but no one is contributing much to a poor scoresheet."

In addition to bringing in another midfielder, Smith, who won four league titles and two European Cups with Liverpool, believes the club would benefit from having another striker in their ranks, not least because it is an area they have struggled in this season.

"A proven striker would also be on my list because if we do buy again, the accent must be on attack and getting the goals we clearly need." The Anfield hero concluded.