Masch: Euro run can aid league

Javier Mascherano believes an extended run in this season's Europa League can aid the Reds quest for a top four finish in the Barclays Premier League.

The Reds take on Unirea in the second leg of their European clash in Bucharest on Thursday night looking to secure a safe passage into the last 16 of the competition.

While not providing the glamour of the Champions League, Mascherano insists the Europa League is a competition which can provide the Reds with a trophy well worth winning come the end of the season.

"We have the confidence to do well," said the Argentine at a pre-match press conference in Bucharest.

"We had a good run before the Arsenal game when we went seven matches in a row without losing. We were playing good football and we had the belief to do well.

"We'll try to do our best to win this competition. This is the only trophy we have a chance of winning and so we'll have to think about doing our best.

"It's a really important game for us tomorrow night. It's important for us to go through and continue in the competition.

"The good news is that we have key players like Yossi and Fernando back now. They are going to be important to us as are all the players between now and the end of the season."

Asked whether he feels he has run into his best form at the right time of the season, Mascherano added: "At the moment I don't like to talk too much about myself.

"I'm feeling good with my fitness. My job is a physical one and when I am feeling good it's easier to play better. I always do my very best for the team and will continue to do so."