Grigg admits to mixed emotions

Published Apr. 15, 2013 9:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina insists they still have a lot to play for despite their fading hopes of qualifying for Europe.

Brendan Rodgers' side dropped two crucial points in the race for a top six finish after being held to a frustrating goalless draw at Reading.

The draw leaves Liverpool struggling to qualify for Europe next season as they sit eight points behind fifth placed Spurs with just five games left.

However, Reina says they will not let the rest of the season fizzle out with games against Chelsea, Everton and Newcastle in their final five fixtures.

"There are still 15 points to play for and it's vitally important we finish the season well," Reina told the Liverpool Echo.

"We need to make sure that we are focused on the games we've got remaining and we need to end the season with a winning mentality. That will be important in terms of next season.

"There will be no shortage of motivation. Look at the games we've got left, Chelsea and Everton at home, Newcastle away - those kind of matches are a motivation for any player and even more so when you are wearing a Liverpool shirt.

"We need to get some wins. If that gets us into Europe then good but if not we need those wins for our own pride.

"Whenever you get the opportunity to play for this club you need to give 100% in every game and try to win them all."

The Northern Ireland international returned from a hamstring injury to put Walsall in front just before the hour mark at Glanford Park - becoming the first Saddlers player to hit 20 goals in a campaign since Jorge Leitao in 2000/01.

It put the midlands club on course for a place in the top six until Niall Canavan headed an 88th-minute equaliser for the hosts to leave Dean Smith's side one point adrift.

"It's mixed emotions," Grigg told his club's official website. "I'm obviously happy to have got my name on the scoresheet, but I would have swapped it for the three points.

"We know that we weren't good enough in the first half, but we controlled the game after the break and once we got in front we had chances to further increase our lead, which we couldn't take and we allowed them back into it near the end.

"It was disappointing, but we're still in it and still very much alive. It's 14 games unbeaten for us now and we certainly have the momentum. The pressure is all on the likes of Swindon rather than us.

"We've worked hard to put ourselves into this position and we won't give it up without a fight. We're more than capable of winning our last two games and it would be nice to go into the final day with something on the game for the right reasons. What our experience over the past couple of seasons has taught us is how to deal with the pressure."

He added: "To get 20 goals is an achievement that I am really proud of. I've set myself targets throughout the season and it is nice to reach 20. Hopefully there are still a few more to come from me this season."