Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admits he is never complacent enough to think his job is safe but insists he is driven on by the "positive fear" it might not be.

The Northern Irishman has found himself under increased scrutiny this week after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Norwich was followed by them scraping past League Two Carlisle on penalties at Anfield in the Capital One Cup.

He has also had to deal with claims – denied by the club – three-time Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti had been approached about the possibility of taking over his job. Speculation also surrounds Jurgen Klopp.

But Rodgers came out fighting in his press conference ahead of the visit of Aston Villa, which has taken on increased significance in the light of recent results.

Asked whether his job was under threat he said: "I'm never complacent enough to think that it's never been.

"That's what drives a manager on – that fear, positive fear.

"But it doesn't frighten me. I've got an inherent belief in what I do but I don't shy away from the fact that you need to get results and be performing well to try and stay and work.

"I don't think it (the pressure) goes away unless you're winning games but I know that we've created that expectancy because of how we've worked.

"How do I block it out? It's very simple. I hope to be a football manager for another 20-odd years and I suspect that those 20 won't be at Liverpool, but whilst I'm here I want to fight for the players and the club."

SEE MORE: Brendan Rodgers under pressure at Liverpool.

Rodgers also offered updates on the club's injuries, including among their strikers.

Christian Benteke will not face his former club this weekend and Rodgers added the Belgian will be out "for some time" with a hamstring problem sustained against Norwich.

England international Daniel Sturridge is in contention against Villa but Rodgers warned: "We have to manage him into games."

Villa could have Idrissa Gueye back from his own hamstring injury at Anfield after three games missing.

He flew to France last week to see his own specialist to cure the problem and is close to returning.

SEE MORE: Brendan Rodgers situation eerily similar to that of Andre Villas-Boas’ Spurs sacking.

"Gana (Gueye) is training, he might be playing. The specialist got a magic wand out – Paul Daniels his name was," said manager Tim Sherwood.

"He has been a revelation since he's come in. He is one of the new guys who has been outstanding. I'm really calm about the situation, I won't panic. Idrissa has probably been the best purchase."

Villa are looking for their first Barclays Premier League win since the opening day win at Bournemouth.

But Gabby Agbonlahor is a doubt after coming off in the 1-0 Capital One Cup win over local rivals Birmingham with a calf injury.

"Gabby might be all right, he is a doubt and hasn't trained yet," said Sherwood.

"Adama Traore is training, we'll see how he comes through all that, the work with the balls. He gives us a spark.

"They are definitely in my thoughts but only 11 can play. Jores Okore is still working on his fitness and Gary Gardner is training on Monday. We're not too bad."