JAMIE CARRAGHER admits Liverpool FC can forget qualification for the Champions League if they continue to drop points at Anfield.

Kenny Dalglish’s side were held to a seventh draw in 11 home Premier League games with a goalless stalemate against Stoke City on Saturday.

Liverpool FC have now taken only 19 points from a possible 33 at home and have fallen five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

And Jamie Carragher, who made his first Premier League start since October 22, admits Dalglish’s men cannot afford many more Anfield draws during the final half of the campaign.

“It wasn’t the result that we wanted but Stoke are a tough nut to crack and they have proved that a lot of times this season,” said defender, who is 34 later this month.

“They have got a very strong back four and unfortunately we couldn’t break them down.

“It’s been a problem a few times at Anfield this season. We need to sort that out before the end of the season if we want to get to where want to be, which is obviously the top four.”

Among the teams to have earned draws at Anfield are Manchester neighbours City and United.

Liverpool’s next two home games are against the North West duo, with City visiting for the Carling Cup semi-final second leg on Wednesday week with United travelling in the FA Cup fourth round three days later.

And Carragher said: “A draw at home against City would be okay! We wouldn’t have a problem with that and we would take that now.

“You wouldn’t want a draw against United, as you wouldn’t want to be going to Old Trafford for a replay.

“Obviously it is disappointing but we are still undefeated at home. I don’t think anyone is looking at those games from that point of view.

“Maybe when you play sides who will come on the front foot, it makes things a bit easier.

“Teams have come here this season and made it difficult but you would expect that City and United will come and try to win the game. That may make it easier for us.”