Pepe Reina has backed Liverpool to end their 22-wait for a league title but cautioned it could be "two or three more years" before the club is in a position to challenge for major honours.

The Anfield club last won the title in 1990, in what was the old First Division, and with the club restructuring after a summer of upheaval, Reina has asked the club's fans to be patient before they return to winning ways.

Liverpool are currently seventh in the league, six points off the Champions League places and a whopping 19 behind leaders Manchester City.

And Reina believes it could be another two years before the club reaches Europe's elite competition again.

"I think it will be two or three more years before we are ready to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League again," Reina is quoted in the Daily Mail.

"Hopefully it will be as soon as possible but we are within touching distance of the Carling Cup final.

"We have not won a trophy since 2006 and it is very important to the club to collect some silverware this season. At Liverpool, winning trophies is vital and we have a great chance of doing that in the Carling Cup.

"Of course, we are still working hard to qualify for the Champions League next season but we know it will be difficult. Liverpool is a club that is used to winning."

Pepe reina
Liverpool's Reina stands in the rain during their English Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. REUTERS

Liverpool have struggled since Christmas, winning just once and drawing three times in six games against so-called 'lesser' opponents.

And with a tricky run of matches against Tottenham, Manchester United, Everton and Arsenal to come, Kenny Dalglish's side are in danger of slipping even further from that coveted top-four slot.

"We are a good team, especially tactically, but perhaps we have lacked a little imagination to win enough matches," Reina added. "We have failed to finish off games and dropped points in matches Liverpool would expect to win.

"On our day, we are a match for any team and we have the players. But we must show more quality. This is what the history of Liverpool demands."