O'Neill refuses to dismiss Liverpool's title challenge

Last updated : 18 January 2008 By Adam Bryant

"I still think Liverpool are capable. The deficit is bigger than they would have wanted at this stage in terms of winning the Championship," he said ahead of Monday's game against the Reds. "But I think it would difficult to write Liverpool off for winning the championship and I wouldn't want to.

"Manchester United are looking monumental at the moment but Liverpool have the capability of winning their games. They've won the Champions League and contested another final but their aim is to win the title which I think they're capable of.

"The most important statistic is they have lost twice this season and I happen to think they've got a very strong squad. I thought that at the start of the year and I genuinely thought they'd be big challengers from the start of the season, which is not to say that it can't be done. They have a game in hand.

"It was their away form last season that cost them and this season their away form has been brilliant. Maybe they haven't won as often at Anfield as they would have liked but they're capable of winning eight games on the trot.

"That's what sets them apart with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. With respect, that's very difficult for the rest of us. I'm not saying they're doing it, but they're capable of doing it, whereas it would be monumental for sides like us."