Ex-Liverpool and Chelsea defender Glen Johnson says the Reds can still secure a top-four finish this season.

The embarrassing 5-2 loss to Real Madrid on Tuesday evening could dent the players’ confidence but Johnson claims the Reds won’t be facing teams with the same quality in the league, and he feels Champions League qualification is still on the cards:

“They did run into a bigger, better team and they’re not going to play teams like Madrid every week in the Premier League, so as long as they can overcome the loss and carry on the league form then they will be very close to achieving the top-four spot.”

A lot depends on how the squad react to the defeat to Real. Morale-boosting wins versus Everton and Newcastle had moved them back in touching distance of the Magpies and Tottenham.

However, it’s hard to know how much they will be affected by such a disappointing setback heading into this weekend’s game against Crystal Palace.

Selhurst Park is not an easy place to get a result and if they fail to secure three points, doubts about their chances of securing fourth will be raised once again. Fans will be hoping the players can shake themselves off and grab a win on Saturday.