Martin Kelly is hoping the Reds can go as far as possible in the FA Cup this season to fulfil a childhood ambition.

The England U21 international heads into Sunday's clash with Brighton having begun our two previous Cup ties against Oldham and Manchester United.

Now he wants to help Liverpool reach the quarter-finals.

"Growing up as a kid, you ask any kid, the FA Cup is massive and everyone wants to get to the final and win it," Kelly told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's got such a tradition and I think the FA Cup is fantastic.

"For a young player like myself it's fantastic to play in and we would love to go all the way in the competition this year.

"I remember watching Liverpool win the FA Cup on the television and we would love to win it again."

Kelly was one of the star performers when Kenny Dalglish's side beat Manchester United in such dramatic fashion at Anfield in the fourth round and he would love to get a chance of another start on Sunday.

He added: "It was brilliant to play in the last round against Manchester United and it was a fantastic day.

"I played against them last year at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, which was special for me as well as it's every lad's dream growing up to play against your rivals and try and put on a good display.

"It was fantastic to beat United in the last round but that's gone now and the next game is the most important one against Brighton.

"I am just privileged whenever I get the chance to play for this team from the boss, and all I can do is show what I'm capable of when I do get a start and keep working as hard as possible."

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Liverpool's No.34 was in the starting XI that overcame a plucky Brighton outfit in the Carling Cup at the Amex Stadium back in September, and he is under no illusions as to the quality Gus Poyet's high-flying side possess.

The Seagulls are just one point off the play-off positions having earned promotion to the Championship last May and gave the Reds a real test in the Carling Cup tie.

Kelly said: "They were tough to play against and I like their style of play because they like to play football. They have decent wingers and it was a difficult night for us, but we managed to get through.

"It will be a different test against them at Anfield. We will have the pressure on us with playing at home and we will show Brighton respect. They are a good side and we have got to be at our best.

"It's about what we do on the day though, and we have to take what we do in training onto the field and win the game.

"For any team, coming to Anfield should be like a cup final. We have such a good stadium and a great tradition and credit to Brighton for getting to this stage.

"I'm sure their manager will be telling them anything can happen in the FA Cup, that's why this competition is so good. We have to be at our best and hopefully we'll get the right result.

"As I said though, the most important thing is what we do ourselves. We are Liverpool Football Club and we have to show our crowd what we are made of and put on a good display for our fans."