KENNY DALGLISH admits Liverpool need more creativity after watching his side slip meekly out of the Europa League.

A frustrating goalless draw at home to Braga last night saw the Anfield outfit beaten 1-0 on aggregate in their round of 16 tie to end their one remaining hope of silverware this season.

Despite £35million record signing Andy Carroll making his full debut, Liverpool struggled to break down a well-drilled Portuguese defence.

And Dalglish said: “We never put anything past the goalkeeper, which is more important than working him. You have to be very strong creatively to break down a well-organised side or you need a bit of luck.

“I don’t think we had much fortune over the two legs but I guess everybody else would say that. Like every other team, we could do with a bit more creativity.”

Asked if the tie was lost during the first leg, in which Alan’s 18th-minute spot kick proved decisive, Dalglish responded: “That’s where the goal was scored. Over two legs it’s a penalty that has separated the two teams. That’s about right as there wasn’t much between the teams.

“They are very well organised and they knew the responsibility was on us to break them down and score and maybe if Andy’s header goes in in the first half it would have been a different outcome.”

Liverpool are now in danger of missing out on European qualification for the first time in more than a decade, and must now finish fifth or rely on favours from other teams. And Dalglish added: “It will be disappointing if we are not in Europe. But then you only get there if you win games and it’s up to us to win games. If we win enough and get enough points then we will be in Europe.

“I don’t know if it’s going to be a help not being in the Europa League. It was an option to get back into Europe if we won it.

“We know in every league game we are going to have to get as much as we can from every game we play in.”