JAMIE CARRAGHER believes qualifying for the Champions League remains a realistic target for Liverpool this season.
The Reds moved up to 11th place after Saturday’s 3-0 win over Wigan – eight points adrift of fourth placed West Brom.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are only two points behind Tottenham, who finished fourth last season, and within four points of Arsenal.
“We look as if we have not made a good start, but with winning on Saturday, we are not too far behind the top four,” said the long-serving defender.
“It is still up for grabs. Besides the top two, and even Manchester United lost on Saturday, a lot of teams are dropping points all over the place.
“From our own point of view, we now want to kick on and make a challenge for that top four place because it seems that everyone is throwing it away.”
Liverpool have the youngest average age of any Premier League team this season with teenagers Andre Wisdom, Raheem Sterling and Suso having established themselves in the side.
Carragher believes that bodes well for the club’s long-term prospects.
“The owners have come in and looked at it and thought they want to bring in a new manager who will promote players from the Academy, which he has done,” added Carragher. “I think it does take time to settle in. It was difficult to replace players like Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt due to the financial situation in terms of us spending a lot of money in the last few years.
“Brendan Rodgers has been very brave putting young players in and giving them a chance. Hopefully, we’ll see the benefit of that in the future.”
