Euro failure could be costly, says Dalglish

LIVERPOOL manager Kenny Dalglish is well aware the club’s proudly-held European status could hinge on their result against Braga tonight.

The FA Cup semi-final draw was not kind to the Reds’ hopes of retaining an interest in continental competition beyond this season. An all-Manchester semi-final means that unless either United or City finish outside the top four, the European place allocated to the FA Cup winners will go to either Stoke or Bolton.

That leaves fifth place in the Barclays Premier League as the remaining qualification spot — unless Liverpool can win the Europa League and thereby enter next season’s competition as defending champions.