The Reds have not won the title since 1990 and in the intervening period arch-rivals Manchester United have drawn level with the Merseysiders' record tally of 18.

Cole will experience his first clash between the two north-west rivals at Old Trafford tomorrow and although the result will not ultimately have a major bearing on the rest of the season it will certainly help boost confidence for the successful side.

Gerrard, a Scouser and lifelong Liverpool player, has often spoken about his desire to pick up a championship winners' medal before the end of his career and Cole believes succeeding in that task would be fitting.

"He's a tremendous player. I've known Steven since I was 17 or 18 and I obviously trained and played with him for England for 10 years so I know what he's all about," said the 28-year-old.

"But when you see him in a Liverpool shirt he's even better. A player like him deserves to win the championship.

"I know that's what he wants over the next four to five years at the club.

"He's a fantastic player and if he plays well the team plays well and it's up to me now to assist him and try to help the club move on."

Cole was brought in on a free transfer from Chelsea this summer as new manager Roy Hodgson's marquee signing.

There is a natural period of transition from former manager Rafael Benitez's reign but Cole is destined to play a significant part in that.

"All the lads here have got belief in what the manager wants us to do and the new signings have looked good," he told talkSPORT.

"It's a re-build for us but we're doing all right, and we just need to keep improving slowly and gradually."