Dalglish wants to maintain Liverpool's European record

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 Premier League as the remaining qualification spot ufffd unless Liverpool can win the Europa League and thereby enter next season's competition as defending champions.

"We can only deal with this game. We can't think too far ahead," said the Scot.

"We want to be playing at the highest level we possibly can. To do that we have to win matches, starting with the game tomorrow night. We've got to win by two goals to maintain our European status this year. Every game for us is really important. That starts tomorrow night and continues until the end of the season."