Aside from that, a prolonged run in the Carling Cup is hardly putting an enormous demand on the squad; while some have given the perception that the Europa League is an unhelpful hindrance, chances to win a trophy cannot be thrown away so lightly.

If you were to ask Fernando Torres how he felt seeing Atletico Madrid supplement their Europa League triumph in the European Super Cup last Friday, it’s fair to say he will have been envious.

His medal collection might include the World Cup and European Championship but there is nothing at club level yet and he would jump at the opportunity to score a winner for Liverpool at Wembley, if given a chance.

What about Dirk Kuyt? He has been a top player for the Reds since arriving in 2006 but does not have anything to show for the service he has provided – would he turn his noses up at a big day out? No chance.

Pepe Reina may have been the hero of the 2006 FA Cup final and was thrilled to share in the success of the Community Shield triumph which followed later that summer but he is aching to find room in his trophy cabinet.

Then there is Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher; their most enjoyable seasons have been when Liverpool play games every four days and both have a special place in their heart for the Carling Cup.

“Don’t get me wrong, if we won the Carling Cup and did nothing else this year, I don’t think anybody would say we’d had a really successful season,” said Gerrard, who still looks back on the medals he won in 2001 and 2003 with great fondness.

“But, equally, I’ve had some brilliant times in that competition and nothing would give me more satisfaction than to lead this team to silverware. That is always the aim and I’m desperate to do that again.”

Five games from Wembley, six from a massive celebration; the Carling Cup provides a big opportunity – it’s not one Liverpool can treat lightly.