Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is determined the Reds will still be top of the Barclays Premier League when they return to Champions League action in February. Liverpool have 10 league games in that time and the former Valencia manager has every intention of seeing his side still top before European football comes around again.

He said: "We now have almost three months to concentrate on the Premier League, and the FA Cup. We would want to go back into Europe next year still top of the table.

"We have qualified for the next stage in Europe, we are top of the Premier League, and now we concentrate on domestic considerations. We do not want to give up top spot, if we are still there when we start up again in Europe, the chances of a really good season will be obvious."