Paul Ince: 'Liverpool still far from title challengers'

Former Liverpool midfielder Paul Ince has questioned the club's title credentials for next season.

The ex-England international admitted that the Champions League quarter-finalists have been impressive this term, but said that consistency will continue to prevent them from mounting a Premier League challenge.

"People will say that they have been so far ahead that they have been playing without the usual pressure of competition. They can play their brand of football knowing they have a safety net of points. And that's true," Ince told The Mirror.

"But when you look at Liverpool, there is still this question of consistency.

"Can they take on the likes of Watford at Vicarage Road and stamp their authority on a game, stick to their principles and come away with three points? They just about managed it at Crystal Palace last week. But beating Spurs and Manchester United proved beyond them.

"Manchester City have answered those different questions. Liverpool have shown signs that they can - but also signs that they are not quite there yet, particularly before Christmas."

Liverpool, who travel to Manchester City on Tuesday evening for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final with a 3-0 aggregate lead, are currently third in the Premier League.