Lucas Leiva is in no doubt that qualifying for the Europa League would be positive for Liverpool.

Some believe the competition is a handicap because teams have to play on Thursdays and Sundays - meaning there is often little time to prepare for Barclays Premier League games.

But having watched Porto beat Braga 1-0 in the Dublin final this week, Lucas is adamant that Europa League football is something worth striving for.

To qualify Liverpool must better the result gained by Tottenham against Birmingham when they travel to Villa Park on Sunday.

"A few people don't see the importance the Europa League has but when you see the final with a full stadium and a really good atmosphere, of course you want to be there, fighting for trophies," Lucas told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"That's the way we have to think. We have to try and play in the Europa League - that's really important for the players and the club.

"Hopefully next season we'll be in it.

"We have been on a good run but it's not in our hands. We just need to go into the last game with the same commitment and attitude and try to win. It's always important to finish with a victory and then we'll see what happens."

Click on the image to see Lucas talk about watching the EL final