Kuyt: We'll be ready
Dirk Kuyt admits the home dressing room was buzzing following Liverpool's progression to the Carling Cup final - but insists the players will put all thoughts of a trip to Wembley aside as they gear up for another huge match on Saturday.
The Reds played out a pulsating 2-2 draw with Manchester City to secure a 3-2 aggregate semi-final victory over the Barclays Premier League table toppers and set-up a February 26 showdown with Cardiff City.
Jubilant celebrations from both Liverpool players and fans greeted the final whistle, but with an FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester United to come on Saturday, Kuyt is adamant Kenny Dalglish's side will be fully focused on the challenge.
He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "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.
"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.
"We have to think of the fans after the game last Saturday (at Bolton). It was very disappointing for us and must have been very disappointing for the fans as well. But the way they were behind us (against Manchester City) was just unbelievable and it's great credit to the supporters."
Liverpool delivered the perfect response to their Bolton disappointment with a lively showing against City, and Kuyt believes the display proves the Reds can match anybody in the Barclays Premier League.
He added: "We were very disappointed about the result at Bolton but more disappointed with ourselves because we know we're better than that.
"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.
"The performance the team put in was great. I think the team worked really hard and we deserved to go to the final."
Kuyt was one of several stand-out performers for Liverpool against Roberto Mancini's men having been handed a place in Dalglish's line-up.
It's a position he's eager to retain for Saturday's encounter with United having faced stiff competition for a regular starting XI berth this season.
The Dutchman said: "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.
"Hopefully I can be involved again in the game on Saturday because all the lads in the dressing room can't wait for the next one."
The game against Cardiff will represent Liverpool's first major final since the 2007 Champions League showpiece against AC Milan in Athens.
Kuyt was on target on that occasion, but it wasn't enough as the Reds suffered a 2-1 defeat in Greece - and the Dutchman remains as determined as ever to end his wait for a winners' medal with the club.
"I've been close," he said. "Obviously we played in the final of the Champions League, we've been second in the league but second place doesn't count. So now we have a chance to win a trophy and I want to make sure we get it."