DIRK KUYT is desperate to end his trophy drought at Liverpool FC – and banish an astonishing millstone hanging around his neck.

Not since Emlyn Hughes has a bought Anfield first-team regular had to wait so long to win silverware with the club.

Kuyt is expected to be involved this evening when Kenny Dalglish’s side take their latest step on the road to Wembley with a tough Carling Cup fourth round assignment at Stoke City.

And after a succession of near misses since arriving from Feyenoord in August 2006, the Holland international striker is determined to claim honours with Liverpool.

“In all my time as a Liverpool player I have been close to winning trophies,” said Kuyt.

“There was the Champions League final, the semi-final and coming second in the Premier League. We have been close but it now time to get some silverware.

“We have the squad to do well in each competition and have a lot of depth.

“The Carling Cup is being taken very seriously and hopefully we can use the bad taste we have in our mouth because of our frustration in the league and use that in a positive way against Stoke.”