SG on Wembley, cups and top four

The Reds skipper admits he would like nothing more than to compete in Europe's elite competition next year but insists it will not be the club's sole focus.

Gerrard told LFC Magazine: "Getting back in the top four is a priority, but I wouldn't say it's our only priority.

"Bringing those European nights back to Anfield is what we all want. Some of the best nights of my career have been in the Champions League and I want to experience a few more before I eventually hang up my boots.

"It's difficult to watch it on TV on a Tuesday or Wednesday night knowing we are not involved. Everyone here is striving to get back there and the sooner it happens the better.

"At the same time it's about trophies for me and I see the FA Cup and Carling Cup as also being very important. Because we are only involved in three competitions we have to focus on all of them.

"There is no European football so you can afford to focus more on the Carling cup. We haven't done well in any of the cups domestically since 2006. It's time we gave the fans a bit of excitement again. They deserve it and there would be nothing better than going to Wembley. That would be fantastic for everyone."

Gerrard also revealed how a surprise visit by the club's new owners helped to raise his spirits during his sixth-month absence with injury.

The midfielder has been hugely impressed by Fenway Sports Group since they took control of the club last October and feels Liverpool have made great strides in that time.

He added: "It's been a good 12 months on the pitch and off the pitch. They've stabilised the club and certainly put the money in. They've backed the manager and Damien Comolli. They've been very supportive of the team.

"I thought it was a brilliant touch for them to come and visit me in the hospital when I had my infection. I was very low at the time but they called me and made the effort to come and see me. That gave me a huge lift and I was very grateful to them for it."