Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher says Sunday's clash with Middlesbrough is crucial for the future of the club.

Carragher fears Liverpool might not have a crack at the Champions League again for some time if they miss out.

He told the Daily Mail: "Six doesn't go into four, so part of me wonders if Liverpool fluff their lines against Middlesbrough, when the next chance will come.

"I don't want this to come across as me being pessimistic. I'm just trying to be realistic. If Liverpool cannot finish in the top four after a season without any European commitments and all their rivals have had obstacles, will they be able to do it with a crammed schedule next year?

"So you see what is at stake at Anfield on Sunday. Arsene Wenger used to get ridiculed for describing Champions League qualification as being like a trophy. I've never agreed with that but now, more than ever, you can see what he means with those sentiments."