Andy Carroll believes that Liverpool remain in contention to qualify for the Champions League, despite being five points adrift of fourth place.

The Merseyside club have maintained that a spot in the elite European competition is the main aim this season, but with Arsenal and Chelsea in position to nab the fourth spot, the Reds will need to pick up points in their next few fixtures.

"The league games are just as important as the cup games we've got to look forward to because we want to stay in contention at the top end of the table," Carroll told the club's official website.

"The objective is qualifying for the Champions League and we are up there and still in with a great chance of achieving that aim.

"I think it's quite possible, especially when you consider some of the results that we have seen over the Christmas period with the top teams, including Man Utd, losing matches. We're still in there without a doubt."

Kenny Dalglish's side will face Bolton Wanderers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Everton in their next five Premier League fixtures.