Jamie Carragher believes winning the FA Cup is more important than securing a top four position.

As Carragher's former Liverpool teammates prepare for the FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa at Wembley on Sunday, the ex-defender says it is crucial that Brendan Rodgers' side qualifies for the May 30 decider.

"Brendan Rodgers will have done three years in the job and I don't think a Liverpool manager has gone three years without winning a trophy," Carragher told Sky Sports.

"There's no doubt after the end of this year he's done a very good job at Liverpool but he'll know himself his time at Liverpool will end at some time.

"Who knows? Four, five, six years, whenever that may be. When you finish you will want to look back. When you play for a side like Liverpool, Manchester United or Arsenal, or as a manager, then you have to win trophies.

"Top four is good for the people above that. For money, more players, but at the end of your time you won't be judged on how many times you get in the Champions League - it's how many trophies you've won.

"If it's one or another as a player I'd always pick winning the FA Cup."