'It's time we got to Wembley'
Jay Spearing hopes to make his first start of 2011-12 against Exeter City on Wednesday night – and make the initial step towards fulfilling a Wembley dream.
The Reds played at the old twin towers so many times during the 70s and 80s that the media and supporters termed it 'Anfield South'.
Our diminutive midfielder recalls fond memories of such occasions as a youngster and is keen to play his part in a competition he insists is hugely important to Liverpool's season.
"The Carling Cup is a priority for the club this year because we are not in Europe and this is a great chance to bring some silverware back to Anfield," Spearing told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"This is a competition we feel we should be able to get to the final and win it. We suffered a massive disappointment last year when we lost to Northampton Town and we want to put things right this year.
"We also have the league and the FA Cup and we want to fight on all three fronts this season. We've got the squad strength, the lads are all up for the challenge and I think we are very capable of doing well.
"When I was growing up as a Liverpool fan we used to play at Wembley all the time and then after that we were always playing a finals in Cardiff, so it's about time we got back to a final.
"It would be massive for me to get a chance to win a medal at Liverpool. It's something I've always dreamed of and if we could win something this season that would be great."
Click on the play button below to watch our exclusive chat with Jay
Liverpool's No.20 is hoping to get the call from the manager to start his first game of the campaign and show his qualities once again.
"There is great competition for places at the club and the team is playing really well, so hopefully I will get the chance to play against Exeter," he added.
"It's a great opportunity for me to go out there and show what I'm capable of doing.
"Every day there is real competition for places on the training ground so you just have to go out and give it everything you have to got to make sure you are in the XI come Saturday.
"There's a few of us now all competing for a place in the middle of the park but we all get on very well. We always fight for one another and support each other."
The League One side might have lost their last three league games but Spearing insists the Reds won't be taking their foot off the gas once the game gets underway.
He said: "This is their Carling Cup final and they are at home in front of a sell-out crowd with nothing to lose.
"The pressure is a lot more on us because people think we should walk over them, but we've just got to do our job on the night and get through to the next round."
The Carling Cup holds special memories for the Wirral-born midfielder as he made his first start in a red shirt in this competition away at Leeds United in September 2009.
"The competition does hold good memories and it was a great night for me," he added.
"It was great to get my chance and we won the game so that made it even better."