Jose Reina targets swift European return for Liverpool

Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has not ruled out playing European football next season as the squad are targeting a fifth-place finish in the Barclays Premier League.

Last night's goalless draw at home to Braga saw the Reds exit the Europa League at the last-16 stage and raised the prospect of the club failing to qualify for continental competition for the first time since 1999.

They now have nine matches in which to overhaul Tottenham, who are six points ahead with one match in hand.

"We are disappointed and we know it's a trophy we can no longer fight for," said Reina, who had little cause to celebrate his 300th Liverpool appearance.

"Now we have to make sure we finish as high as possible in the league.

"Fifth is still do-able. There are nine games to play and a lot of points.

"Tottenham are involved in the Champions League still and have plenty of games.

"Hopefully we'll win enough games to get fifth but of course everyone knows it's difficult.

"We have to bounce back now - that's football. It's not about how you get knocked out - it's about how you react.

"We're Liverpool and we have to react. It's a difficult moment and it's not nice but there are still two months ahead of us and we have to keep going.

"It's always important for this club to be involved in European competition.

"We have been better in the last three months and that's positive.

"We have to look at the big picture and we are improving, we are growing."