We can beat Everton in Europe race, says Baros

Milan Baros, the Liverpool striker, believes his side can still overtake Everton for a place in the Champions' League and is certain they will challenge for the Premiership title next season.

Baros, the top scorer at Euro 2004, insists there is enough time to claw back the five-point gap on David Moyes' side. "Our aim in the Premier League is clear - qualifying for the Champions' League," he said. "We are in fifth place and there are five points between us and fourth place, where Everton are. But there are 12 rounds of the competition left and we have to play our biggest rivals at home, so it might be achieved."

Liverpool face Everton at Anfield on 20 March and entertain Bolton, Tottenham and Middlesbrough in April. They finished fourth last season, but Baros believes they should be setting their sights higher than that in the future. "It looks that we are going in the right direction, although there are ups and downs in our results," he said. "I hope that next season we will be competing with the strong trio of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United and would not be fighting only for the fourth spot."

To that end, Baros has welcomed the arrival of Fernando Morientes from Real Madrid. The Spaniard has scored in Liverpool's last two games, against Charlton and Fulham, and the Czech striker believes they can form a fruitful partnership.

"He is a great footballer and for our team it is super he has come. He is great in the air, you can easily exchange quick passes with him and we will certainly understand each other.

"Our communication is limited as he does not speak English, but he is learning fast. He is a modest man and we understand each other."

Baros also hopes to put behind him the injuries that have affected him this season. "I am completely fit now and I hope to remain fit for a long time," he said.