Jordan Henderson has explained how reaching the Carling Cup final was one of Liverpool's main objectives at the start of the campaign – and now he's determined to do all he can to bring the trophy back to Anfield.

Kenny Dalglish fielded consistently strong sides throughout the tournament and, as a result, the Reds saw off both Barclays Premier League and lower league opposition to book a trip to Wembley.

The first game of the tournament saw the Reds overcome League One outfit Exeter City 3-1 at St James' Park - a game in which key players like Luis Suarez, Charlie Adam, Andy Carroll and Henderson all featured.

And the midfielder believes this show of respect for the trophy and its participants has been the key to securing a place in the final.

Watch the video here »

 "We knew from day one that this competition was really important for us and we wanted to go all the way," Henderson told Liverpoolfc.tv. "So we've just got to make sure we perform on Sunday and make sure we take the trophy home.

"It's a massive achievement for us (to get to Wembley) and for my first season it's great to be involved in it. Everyone's looking forward to the game on Sunday.

"It's a really special stadium. It's really good being able to play there, so I'm sure everyone's looking forward to it. People dream about playing there when they see it so I think that's the reason why it's so special."

Henderson started all of the Carling Cup games the Reds have played so far this season, with the exception of the clash against Brighton at AMEX Stadium in September.

A determined cup run has seen them defeat Stoke courtesy of a Luis Suarez brace, beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and edge Manchester City over two legs of a thrilling semi-final.

"We've beat some good teams along the way and Cardiff are another good team and they'll make it difficult for us," said Henderson. "They've got some good players so we need to make sure we do it properly and approach the game in the right way and hopefully we'll be alright.

"I don't think we'll take them for granted. I think we'll prepare properly for the game, obviously it's a final and anything can happen. We just need to concentrate on us and make sure we play to the best of our ability.

"There's a lot of underdogs who have come and won in cup finals and semi-finals, so we know what's going to happen. We know that Cardiff are going to come out and play the game of their life.

"A cup final is a massive game for anyone so, like I say, we've just got to concentrate on ourselves, train hard and approach the game in the right way and just perform to the best we can."

Henderson has made a total of 31 appearances since his arrival from Sunderland in the summer and the young midfielder believes that the game time he has been afforded reflects the manager's faith in his abilities.

"It gives me confidence and that's all I want to do - just keep playing football and stay fit," said the England U21 international. "So if I can continue to do that I'll be happy. I've enjoyed (my first season here). I knew what it was going to be like coming to Liverpool, it's such a massive club.

"I'll just continue to enjoy my football, keep working hard and hope to keep improving. The fans have been brilliant so it's obviously nice to give something back to them (by reaching a final) but it's nice to give something back to everyone involved with the club as well."