Kuyt: United need our full attention

Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt says the club must put all their focus into Saturday’s FA Cup showdown with Manchester United.

Kenny Dalglish’s side advanced final of the CarlingCup – their first cup final since 2006 – on Wednesday courtesy of a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, which gave them a 3-2 aggregate win.

But striker Kuyt said the team needs to move on quickly from that triumph as they prepare to do battle with old rivals Manchester United at Anfield.

“We can be happy about what we have achieved in reaching Wembley, but we have to put that aside because there’s another massive game coming up on Saturday against Manchester United and it would be great to knock them out as well,” the Dutchman said.

“I think we are used to playing every three days from when we were playing in Europe in the Champions League. We were playing big games every two days and that’s what Liverpool Football Club should be about.”

“It’s great to have two great games in a week and, like I said, we are all focusing already on the next game and we’re desperate to win it.”

Kuyt is pleased with how Liverpool responded to their defeat against Bolton in their last league fixture and feels overcoming City proves the club are a match for any team in the Premier League.

“We were very disappointed about the result at Bolton but more disappointed with ourselves because we know we’re better than that,” he said.

“I think that is one thing we showed against City – that we can compete with the best teams in England – and that’s the only way to reserve (a place in) the final.”

Kuyt has been restricted to just one goal in 24 appearances this season, his worst drought since joining the club, but is determined to get on the score sheet.

“Obviously I can’t be happy about the games I’ve played so far this season but I just want to be involved more, especially in the important games and just try to work hard and show myself in games like this,” he said.