RAUL MEIRELES is on a mission to secure Europa League qualification for Liverpool ahead of today’s clash with Birmingham City at Anfield.

The Portugal international, who was this week voted PFA Fans Player of the Year, insists the Reds can still catch fifth-placed Tottenham, who are five points ahead with a game in hand.

However, Meireles knows with only five matches to play the Reds have no margin for error.

“We still believe we can qualify for the Europa League and win every game between now and the end of the season,” he said. “I know we are depending on the results of other teams, but we just need to win every game.

“If we do our job well, then I think we will have a good chance of qualifying.”

If Liverpool are going to triumph today, Meireles believes they will need to show the same kind of desire and spirit which helped them rescue a point at Arsenal last Sunday.

Having made his debut for the Reds in the goalless draw against Birmingham in September, the midfielder knows exactly what to expect from Alex McLeish’s side: “It was a crazy game at Arsenal and I’ve never been involved in anything like that before,” he said. “When Dirk scored and then the final whistle went it was a fantastic feeling because we deserved something from it.

“It was great to celebrate with our fans at the end, and it was so important we didn’t lose that game because we can take a lot of confidence from our performance on the day.

“Birmingham away was my first game for Liverpool and it was a difficult game. In the Premier League, there are no easy games, but we need to work hard and get the three points.

“We have two home games now and it’s very important we keep winning.”

Meireles’ form has improved under Kenny Dalglish, and he admits he’s relishing working with the Reds boss.

“It’s a pleasure to play for Kenny,” he said. “He is a fantastic manager and everybody loves him. He knows a lot about football and it’s great for me to work with Kenny.

“He has encouraged us to play good football and he has given us a belief that we can win. We all want to improve and bring success to this club.”