Mascherano pledges future to Reds

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano insists he sees his future at Liverpool.

Mascherano's future has been cast into some doubt of late by suggestions from the Argentina captain he had not ruled out a summer departure from Anfield.

Mascherano said: "My future is here. I am here and I will continue to give 100% and it will always be like this. I think we have taken a big step this season, a really big step."

Mascherano added: "In the past three or four seasons Liverpool have lost the league maybe in December or January but this time we are there right at the very end of the season and we still have a chance so this is very important. Our job now is to continue to work hard and to improve because we have shown that we can win against the biggest teams."

The frustration for Liverpool is that they could end the campaign having scored more goals than Manchester United, lost just two games against United's four, achieved a bigger goal difference and also completed a double over the Old Trafford side.

Former West Ham men Mascherano and Yossi Benayoun played key roles in Saturday's 3-0 victory over their former club at the Boleyn Ground that put Liverpool top for 24 hours, before United comfortably beat Manchester City on Sunday.

United should seal the four points they need on Wednesday at Wigan and then at home to Arsenal on Saturday, and be crowned champions before Liverpool play next at West Brom on Sunday.

Benayoun said: "We put up a good performance at West Ham, but to score quickly took a lot of pressure off us.

"But it will still be difficult now to win the title. Manchester United are top and still have a game in hand, regardless of how well we play on Saturday. They have proved themselves over the years and are a very strong side.

"But we still hope they will slip up, although it could be all over by the weekend if they win their next two games with us not playing again until Sunday. If they do win their games they will deserve to be champions, but hopefully there will still be a chance left for us."