JAMIE CARRAGHER believes it is too early to dismiss Liverpool FC as title contenders – despite Luis Suarez claiming the Premier League crown is beyond them this season.

Kenny Dalglish’s side have made a steady start to the campaign and currently stand in fifth position, six points off leaders Manchester duo United and City.

The Anfield outfit entertain United in their next game on Saturday week, with clashes against City and Chelsea to come next month.

Suarez was quoted yesterday as suggesting it would be difficult for Liverpool to win the championship this season and cup competitions are their most likely route to silverware.

But while admitting top four and Champions League qualification would represent a successful campaign, Carragher is not yet ruling out a title challenge.

“The last couple of years we have finished sixth and seventh so for us to get in the top four, we will be pleased with that this season,” said the centre-back.

“But at Christmas, if we are two or three points behind Manchester United or Manchester City, we are going to say we want to win the league.

“I always change my opinion of what I want us to do depending on where we are in the league.

“At this moment people will probably say we are in a race with Spurs and Arsenal (for fourth) because we are a little bit off Man City and Man United. But over the next month, if we can catch them up (the title could still be possible).

“We play Man United, if we can gain three points there, and we’ve got City as well, and Chelsea, so if we can get good results then your opinion changes.”