Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has expressed his belief that Sunday's Carling Cup final against Cardiff will be the springboard to a successful period for the club.

Liverpool haven't been in a cup final since the 2007 Champions League final, and haven't won a trophy since the FA Cup in 2006, despite winning ten trophies in the five years before that.

However, Gerrard is looking back to the treble of 2001 for inspiration to kick on and win more trophies with the club.

"I'm hoping this is just the beginning for us. It would be stupid to win the Carling Cup and then rest on our laurels. This is an important cup for us but there are other big prizes we want to strive for," said the Reds' talisman.

"I honestly believe winning this cup will be the catalyst for a successful period for the club; it will certainly give us the belief and confidence to deliver more. That's what happened back in 2001. We picked up the League Cup and then went on win the treble.

"It gave us the confidence to go and win more trophies. Momentum builds and it gives everyone a taste of success. We're still in the FA Cup and challenging for a top-four place in the league. There's no doubt winning the Carling Cup would have a really positive effect on us for the rest of this season - it would drive us on to achieve more."

Gerrard will be appearing in his fourth league cup final, having won the trophy in 2001 and 2003 and been on the losing side in 2005.