Gerrard gunning for silverware

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said he is determined to lift the Carling Cup on Sunday to kick-start a period of success at Anfield.

Kenny Dalglish’s side face Cardiff at Wembley as they go in search of their first silverware since a dramatic FA Cup final victory over West Ham in 2006.

And though Gerrard conceded the club has gone through some difficult times of late, he said six years is too long to go without a trophy.

“Six years without a trophy for this football club isn’t good enough,” he told the Liverpool Echo.

“It’s been too long and everyone knows that. It’s time we delivered a trophy.”

“Everyone knows the club has been through some tough times but we’re moving forward now.”

“We’re all desperate to bring success back. It’s what we’re working so hard to achieve.”

Gerrard said he believes the club’s League Cup victory in 2001 was the catalyst for their treble-winning campaign under Gerard Houllier, and claimed success on Sunday could begin a similarly successful period for the club.

“I’m hoping this is just the beginning for us,” he said.

“It would be stupid to win the Carling Cup and then rest on our laurels. This is an important cup for us but there are other big prizes we want to strive for.”

“I honestly believe winning this cup will be the catalyst for a successful period for the club. It will certainly give us the belief and confidence to deliver more.”

“That’s what happened back in 2001. We picked up the League Cup and then went on win the Treble.”

“It gave us the confidence to go and win more trophies. Momentum builds and it gives everyone a taste of success.”

“If we win on Sunday this group of players will experience what it’s like to walk around a stadium full of your supporters going wild. That buzz and the tingles that (it) gives you drives you on to want more.”

“We’re still in the FA Cup and challenging for a top-four place in the league.”

“There’s no doubt winning the Carling Cup would have a really positive effect on us for the rest of this season. It would drive us on to achieve more.”