Kenny Dalglish has insisted the Liverpool players can be proud of their efforts over the second half of the season - irrespective of what happens on the final day this weekend.

The Reds travel to Villa Park for their last outing of the campaign knowing they need to better Tottenham's result against Birmingham if they are to qualify for next year's Europa League.

Having been defeated by Harry Redknapp's side at Anfield, Liverpool have lost the advantage in the race for fifth place - but Dalglish is adamant his players shouldn't be judged on what happens on Sunday.

"They have played brilliantly since January, gone about their work and surpassed all expectations," Dalglish said.

"We are dependent on other people now (to finish fifth) when we could have finished it but it has been a fantastic effort to get close.

"We can only look after ourselves."