Martin Skrtel relishing first final

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has revealed his excitement ahead of the Carling Cup final against Cardiff on Sunday.

The 27-year-old has yet to taste silverware for Liverpool having joined the club in 2008, two years after their last domestic trophy, and the Slovakia international is relishing the prospect of lifting the league cup.

"I'm looking forward to the game because it's my first final for Liverpool and the first final of my football career," he told Liverpool's official website.

"I've been close in the past and played in the semi-finals of the Champions League, but we didn't make it. That's why I can't wait for Sunday.

"I've been here four and a half years now and I am surprised it has taken so long to reach a final. Every player plays for trophies and for medals but they're not easy to win, especially here. There are three competitions here, with the league and the FA and Carling Cups. To me there is no difference between the FA Cup and the Carling Cup. If we can win on Sunday, then great."

Liverpool have won the league cup on a record seven previous occasions, including four in a row between 1981 and 1984.