Steven Gerrard has targeted a trophy finish upon his return to Liverpool from a lengthy injury lay-off.

The England midfielder got a 14-minute run-out during Liverpool’s 2-1 Carling Cup win over Brighton this week after six months out of action with a groin injury.

"It’s been a long time, too long really, but it was fantastic to be out there in the kit again, and it was a nice win as well," Gerrard said.

"I’m not the best when I’m out injured and watching games, so it’s been very frustrating. But I’ve tried my best to attend most games, show my support for the lads and try to be an influence.

"It’s nice to see the team progressing well. The signings we’ve made have been good and, from top to bottom, everybody at the club is smiling."

In the absence of European football this season, Gerrard has said that Liverpool must take every cup competition seriously.

"We haven’t been to a major cup final for a long time, so we’ve got to take every cup competition seriously, especially when there is no Europe, which makes it a bit easier to put out stronger sides," he added.

"When you play for Liverpool, it’s all about winning trophies. That’s why we’ve got to take every cup seriously and that was the message from the manager before we beat Brighton.

"And being captain as well, there’s nothing more I want than to go to Wembley with the rest of the lads and lift a cup."

Liverpool have not won the League Cup since 2003, when they beat Manchester United 2-0 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.