FINALLY, European football's governing body has proved it is an advocate of common sense and Champions League winners Liverpool have been granted a place in the competition next season.

But why has the deliberation process dragged on for so long?

To think the European champions were close to not being given a chance to defend the trophy is unthinkable and, quite frankly, absurd.

Liverpool may have to play six qualifying matches in early pre-season against a variety of unknown quantities that UniBond League Bishop Auckland could do well against - and that could scupper a money-spinning tour to Japan.

But, having been the soul benefactors of UEFA's decision to move the goalposts and accommodate them in next season's competition, that is a small price to pay for another crack at the continent's elite.

Whether Liverpool find themselves travelling to Wales to play Total Network Solutions or Albania to lock horns with SK Tirana shouldn't matter.

There are those, including ungrateful Liverpool supporters, who are already complaining about the fact that Stevie Gerrard and Jamie Carragher will be exhausted come next summer's World Cup, therefore hindering England's chances of success.

Try telling that to Spanish boss Rafael Benitez. He would probably play 20 qualifying matches against lowly opposition if it meant another lucrative Champions League campaign instead of playing in the UEFA Cup.

Playing in the Champions League means everything to top-level professional footballers these days and the prospect of another elitist campaign will also strengthen Liverpool's hand in the transfer market.

That should ensure the re-birth of the great old club continues at full speed and there are few across the country shaking their heads in disapproval at their inclusion on Europe's biggest stage.

Thankfully, Everton's fourth-place finish, the final Champions League place handed out by right and one position ahead of their Merseyside rivals, has not been diminished and they will be competing at that level with the possibility of a derby in the third qualifier.

But they can count themselves a little fortunate. Next season, if the same scenario was to crop up, then Everton would be the fall guys. The unfortunates.

UEFA's 14-man executive committee, who met yesterday, have changed the rules to clearly stipulate that to be the case and there is now no ambiguity surrounding the whole situation. The fourth-placed team would be replaced in the Champions League by the winners if they had failed to qualify for the league, unlike on this occasion when the Football Association were put in an impossible position to decide between the two.

Five years ago the Spanish FA handed Real Madrid the final European Cup place at the expense of Real Zaragoza when a similar situation arose.

But their English counterparts felt it unfair for Everton to be a victim of their great city rivals' success and that was a stance that needs to be praised.

The Toffees may not be in line for as big a pay-out as they were initially in line for - UEFA have stated the five clubs will have to share the money pot set aside for the four - but at least they can boast top Euro status for one season at least.

What Liverpool's inclusion has done has reduced the number of English teams playing in the UEFA Cup next season, with Manchester City's slim hopes of being granted their place evaporating yesterday.

Despite City's disappointment, the Premiership are the winners after Liverpool's inclusion and with Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal also going for glory there's a greater chance the trophy could be heading back to these shores again come May.