Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel insists the Carling Cup is just as important as the FA Cup.

The FA Cup was the last silverware Liverpool won back in 2006 but despite the history of the competition Skrtel believes the Carling Cup has equal significance for them, not least because it will guarantee a route back into Europa albeit via the Europa League.

"Some people say the FA Cup is more important than the Carling Cup. I don't see it that way," he told LFC magazine.

"They are both trophies and if you win one or the other you qualify for Europe.

"I want to win both of them. I don't think one is more important than the other."