John Aldridge believes the Carling Cup holds a great opportunity for the Reds to win a trophy as the road to Wembley starts on Wednesday night with the long trip to Exeter City.

With no European football at Anfield this season, the legendary striker has eyes on a trip down south in February 2012.

"The Carling Cup is a priority for Liverpool this season and that's something we haven't said for many years," said Aldridge.

"We want to get to Wembley and this competition offers us a great chance of doing that.

"It will be interesting to see what kind of team Kenny Dalglish fields against Exeter City tomorrow night.

"It's a huge banana skin and I don't think we can afford to take any chances.

"There are players who would benefit from another game like Dirk Kuyt and Andy Carroll.

"I'm sure Jamie Carragher will play and you would expect the likes of Martin Skrtel, Jon Flanagan, Raul Meireles, Jay Spearing and Maxi Rodriguez to come in.

"With a stronger squad this season the boss can make half a dozen changes without weakening the side too much.

"I think you've got to play a strong side and try to get the tie won early on. Then you can bring players off and start thinking about the Bolton game."

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The Republic of Ireland legend also believes the squad can take a lot of confidence from the victory at Arsenal on Saturday as Dalglish's side aim for a return to the top-four this season.

He added: "There were a lot of positives to take from the victory over Arsenal.

"They've had some bad luck with injuries and suspensions and we took advantage of that.

"It was tight before the sending off but we dominated the closing stages.

"Arsene Wenger could have no complaints because Arsenal were beaten by a better side.

"Liverpool had more possession than them which is virtually unheard of at the Emirates. We kept the ball a lot better than we did against Sunderland. We looked short of match fitness in the first game but Saturday was a big step up.

"The substitutions made a massive difference and it showed the improvement in the depth of the squad.

"Luis Suarez and Raul Meireles made a big impact after coming on and we've still got Steven Gerrard to come back in.

"We can't get carried away and there are things to work on but it was a big three points which will everyone a huge lift."

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