Article: Football: Finnan's ready for the real thing; Champions League is the true challenge for Irishman; LIVERPOOL v MONACO, TONIGHT, 7. 45PM, live on Sky Sports Xtra.(Sport)

Byline: ANDY HUNTER

FINALLY, the minimum acceptable target has become the real thing. The return to the grandest European stage has been more of a stumble than a leap for Liverpool so far, with fourth place not enough to save Gerard Houllier his job and not enough to cele-brate the riches of the Champions League because of a qualifying round that was ultimately clouded by Michael Owen's exit in the first leg and the first defeat of Rafael Benitez's reign in the second.

All that can now be forgotten. Liverpool have guaranteed six high-profile Group A fixtures to restore continental pride, confidence and, of course, claim even more money from the Champions ...

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