Minnows' Euro lifeline for Reds

Liverpool have been thrown a potential lifeline to salvage their hopes of competing in next season's Champions League

The European Cup winners cannot defend their title because they finished outside the top four in the Premiership and UEFA are adamant they will not extend the number of places.

However, Welsh Premier League champions TNS have offered to play them in a one-off game to decide who should compete in the first qualifying round of the Champions League.

The place, by right, belongs to the minnows, though their chairman Mike Harris believes a play-off with Liverpool could be helpful to both clubs.

However, TNS and Liverpool would first require approval from UEFA, who are unlikely to agree to a match that undermines the structure of the competition.

Harris said: "Such a play-off would enjoy huge media coverage. It would bring the image of our league to the whole of the UK."