Liverpool are Sunderland rivals in Europe bid - Onuoha

Onuoha has established himself as a regular during his Black Cats loan spell

Sunderland defender Nedum Onuoha has targeted Liverpool as the team to beat in the race for the Premier League's European places this season.

The Black Cats find themselves in seventh place, a point behind Kenny Dalglish's side with 12 games remaining for both clubs.

"There's a good feeling around the place to be competing with Liverpool," Onuoha told BBC Newcastle.

"We're looking to finish above them then we'll be in a good position."

The Wearsiders' last European jaunt came as winners of the FA Cup in 1973, with a win against Hungarian side Vasas and defeat by Sporting Club de Portugal in the 1973-74 European Cup Winners Cup.

Meanwhile the fifth place in the Premier League is the only spot initially allocated for qualification to the Europa League, with the top four all guaranteed entry into the Champions League.

"With the European football side of things you have to keep an eye on the cup competitions because essentially that's where the places will be decided," Onuoha continued.

"So you're hoping that Arsenal win the Carling Cup and maybe one of the top four win the FA Cup, but if not we're going to have to try to finish in fifth.

"Anything is possible."

England under-21 international Onuoha is currently on a season-long loan from Manchester City, and has scored once in 24 appearances for Steve Bruce's side so far this season.