Supporters can give us extra edge

May 22 2007 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

PETER CROUCH is convinced Liverpool fans don’t need to be at Anfield to give them that extra edge on the field.

The striker wasn’t at the club to experience their influence on Liverpool’s comeback in Istanbul two years ago first-hand, but the semi-final victory over Chelsea gave him enough of a clue as to how their presence can overwhelm AC Milan in Athens tomorrow.

“Anybody who came to the semi-final against Chelsea will know how the fans become an extra weapon for us,” said Crouch.

“The atmosphere was the best I’ve ever played in. It was fantastic.

“This is a top-class club in a city where everyone is geared up for football.

“Everyone understands football up here. It’s the most switched-on city football-wise.

“It’s certainly passionate and a club steeped in history. Hopefully we can continue that.”

Crouch fulfilled his childhood dream last year when he was part of Liverpool’s FA Cup-winning side.

He was, however, substituted during normal time in the 3-3 draw with West Ham, that was followed by a Liverpool win on penalties, and Crouch is once again uncertain of how much he will figure in Liverpool’s next attempt to obtain silverware.

But the 26-year-old is determined that the decisions of manager Rafael Benitez won’t stifle his celebrations.

Crouch said: “When I was a kid it was the FA Cup.