Jamie wants Euro qualification

JAMIE CARRAGHER says he is desperate to see Liverpool qualify for the Europa League next season, as the Reds moved a step closer with victory over Newcastle.

Kenny Dalglish's men were comfortable in their 3-0 win over the mid-table Magpies at Anfield yesterday and moved above Tottenham into fifth place in the Premier League as a result.

Victory in each of their three remaining fixtures would all-but guarantee the Reds European football for next season - and Carragher says he is spurred on by the prospect.

He said: "I know there is a lot of talk about whether people want us to finish 5th, but for me, Liverpool is European football.

"That's what the club is about, and I'm desperate for us to get it.

"For me, it is another trophy to go for. I'd have loved to have been in Dublin (for this season's Europa League final) in a couple of weeks - that would have been fantastic for us and fantastic for the supporters.

"If we keep winning games, we've got a good chance of qualifying, but Tottenham will probably feel the same, and I think (the Spurs game on May 15 at Anfield) will be a great game now."

From 12th place on Dalglish's arrival in January, the Reds have taken 30 points from 15 games since and are now in prime position to secure a top-five position. A win at Fulham next Monday would set up an all-or-nothing clash with Tottenham at Anfield six days later.

Carragher says it is nice to have some positivity around the club following a turbulent couple of seasons at Anfield.

"It is important for the team to keep winning and maintain the feel-good factor," said Carragher. "It hasn't been a great 18 months really for the club, it has been tough. Now, though, we can start to enjoy ourselves and go into games expecting to win.

"(Tottenham) will be some game. I remember the game we had with them last season. We were still fighting for 4th at the time and we weren't on a great run, but the crowd were fantastic that night and we had a great game against them and beat them.

"I think the crowd will be in a similar vein when we play them in a couple of weeks. But we have to make sure we get the result at Fulham first."

Yesterday's victory saw Carragher move joint-second in the all-time Liverpool appearance list, equalling the records set by Ray Clemence and Emlyn Hughes by making his 665th outing.

The 33-year-old says it is an honour to be mentioned in the same breath as such Anfield legends, but says he has got his eye on a few more miles left in him yet.

"It is something to look back on," he added. "You look at the players on the list - Emlyn Hughes is a giant of the club - and just to be anywhere near these people is a great honour for me.

"These people, Emlyn and the likes of Ian Rush and Tommy Smith, these are people I look up to. For me, they are what Liverpool is. They are the legends of the club and they always will be.

"It is more something to look back on at the end of your career I think. For now I want to look forward, to get more appearances, and hopefully help the club win trophies."

Meanwhile, Reds skipper Steven Gerrard has set his sights on returning to action in time for pre-season.

The 30-year-old has been absent since March 6 and underwent surgery on a long-standing groin problem last month.

"For the first time in a while, I'm feeling confident about my groin," said Gerrard

Source: Liverpool Echo

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