Liverpool will handle ‘three cup finals’, says Houllier

GERARD HOULLIER believes his Liverpool stars have the strength of character to handle the “three cup finals” that could send them into the Champions League.

The Anfield manager has seen his team win six of their last seven Premiership games to force their way back into the frame for the world's most lucrative club competition.

On Saturday, they go to relegated West Brom probably without injury victim Emile Heskey knowing they dare not slip up in the battle with Chelsea and Newcastle for the two remaining places among next season's European elite alongside Arsenal and Manchester United.

It is worth at least £15 million to qualify for the group stage, but Houllier reckons his players can handle the pressure: "We believe in ourselves and we believe we can achieve. We are getting nearer."

Liverpool know they must beat West Brom and also win their two final games against Manchester City and Chelsea to make sure they qualify.

They know, if they win all three, they will finish in the top four.

"We have the mentality to keep going in tough circumstances," said Houllier. "We give our all every time and that's why I'm proud of my team because whenever they go onto the pitch they give everything."

Stephane Henchoz due to play a reserve game this week is still not considered fit to return after his calf operation.

Houllier aims to galvanise his team to turn round an erratic campaign: "These are the three most important games of the season. They are cup finals. It is a very exciting time for us. I hope Steven Gerrard's late winner against Charlton on Monday turns out to be a good omen for us."

However, while Liverpool concentrate their minds on the salvage operation of saving their season in the next couple of weeks, their players are already turning their attention to next term and putting right what has gone wrong in this campaign.

Speaking in the club's magazine, LFC, Michael Owen reveals the hurt felt among the players.

"When we started off great this season, I think everyone thought this was our year," said Owen. "I think that was the general feeling around the ground, among the supporters and among the players.

"Then it went downhill and you lose a bit of confidence in yourself, in our team, in everything really. Hence, we had a lot of bad results.

"If we can restore that confidence, have everyone believe in each other again and get on a good run and maybe we need one or two more players I think we can win the league in the next year or the next couple of years."

* Liverpool have invited Barcelona to play a pre-season friendly at Anfield on August 8.