Radebe: Wise words (CliveBrunskill/Allsport)

Leeds' dismal sequence of one win in the last six Premiership matches has left the team that shines in the Champions League treading water among England's also-rans, 13 points behind third-placed Sunderland.

Hopes of an immediate return to Europe were further dented by the 1-1 draw against struggling Middlesbrough at Elland Road on New Year's Day, and captain Radebe sees only one remaining avenue to keep Leeds' domestic season alive and kicking.

They face First Division neighbours Barnsley in the third round at Elland Road on Saturday, almost 29 years after Allan Clarke headed Leeds to their only FA Cup Final triumph, when they beat Arsenal.

South Africa skipper Radebe, 32 in April, said: 'I am desperate to lift a trophy for this club and I don't want to have any regrets.

'I will be very disappointed if we come out of this season with nothing. It's important that we end up with some silverware, or at least qualify for Europe next season - anything else would make it a terrible season for us.

'We are all still hoping for a good run of results to climb the League but you have to be realistic.

'Manchester United have gone out on their own and we are a long way behind some of the other leading teams.

'We need to be just as realistic when it comes to the Champions League. We are doing well in our group and could be in the quarter-finals, but nobody can say we are going to win the trophy and qualify for it again in that way. That means the FA Cup is now our last route into Europe next season.

'I really believe we have a good chance of winning it. It is our best opportunity but only if we can start to put things right.

'On paper nobody can beat us but, unfortunately, that hasn't been the case on the pitch. We haven't been performing as we should but we have to stay strong, focused and go out determined to do it. We have to accept and share the responsibility.'

Radebe, caught out by Alen Boksic for Middlesbrough's breakaway goal on Monday, shares his team-mates' frustrations over a season that - despite regular heroics in Europe - has failed to take off on the home front, with only six wins from 11 Premiership matches at Elland Road.

Harry Kewell, so adept at unpicking defences, was missing against Boro, as he has been virtually all season, while even Robbie Keane's attacking instinct could find no way past Terry Venables' superbly organised team.

Radebe said: 'Teams are coming here simply to defend and that's something we have to learn to cope with. We all feel down at the moment because things are not going well but it's no good moaning about teams setting out to frustrate us. It's a compliment that we have to overcome.