Liverpool defender Glen Johnson says the prospect of the club not qualifying for the second round of the Champions League this season is unthinkable, labeling the scenario a “disaster”.

The Reds look to get their European campaign back on track when they visit Lyon in France this Wednesday night.

It follows two consecutive defeats to the hands of Fiorentina and Lyon, leaving Rafa Benitez’s men third in the group and six points of group leaders Lyon.

“It would be a disaster for this club not qualifying for the knockout stages – but it’s not something we are thinking about,” said Johnson.

“We have still got to believe we can do it. We don’t even want to start thinking about the Europa League.

“It will be no consolation at all. It’s not the aim and it’s not the plan because we want to be in the Champions. It is one of the main reasons why players want to play for a big side.”

“The Champions League is the best club competition there is. I played in it a few times with Chelsea and playing in it again was something that I was looking forward to doing.”