Saturday, January 24, 2009

Babel Eyeing FA Cup Start

Ryan Babel is hoping he will get the chance to play against Everton in Sunday's FA Cup derby and help the Reds make amends for Monday night's disappointing draw by reaching the fifth round.

Rafael Benitez has already revealed he will make one or two changes to his team for the second Merseyside derby in a week, and the Dutch international is hoping he will be given the chance to impress.

Babel played the full 90 minutes in the third round win over Preston North End and admits everyone in the squad is determined to put things right after Everton's late equaliser on Monday.

"That was very frustrating for everybody and maybe it wasn't the best performance from us, but we have this FA Cup tie on Sunday which gives us a chance to play better and win the game," said Babel.

"We felt we would go on to win the game after Stevie scored a nice goal but it was disappointing to concede such a late goal.

"Everybody was disappointed in the dressing room after the game and it was very quiet. Sammy Lee spoke to us about the positive things and the fact we can put things right on Sunday, and he got our confidence up. Sammy is very important for us and he always lifts everybody.

"This will be a different game on Sunday and hopefully I will get the chance to play and help us win the game.

"We can talk a little bit about revenge maybe and we want to improve our performance and get a better result.

"I enjoy playing in the derby. I knew about the Merseyside derby when I was in Holland but when you talk about the level of both teams I think we are much better than them.

"Liverpool also has a big rivalry with Manchester United but we know how special this game is for the supporters.

"Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher also make us aware of just how important this match is and we are ready for Sunday."

The Reds number 19 is hoping Liverpool can go all the way in the FA Cup this season with the prize of playing at Wembley.

"I have never played there, so it would be great to play at Wembley," he said. "Hopefully we can keep doing well and go all the way.

"Last season was my first at Liverpool but we didn't win any prizes, so hopefully this season we can achieve something special. I believe we will win something - everybody has that belief."

The former Ajax winger recently lifted the lid on a chat in which the gaffer outlined areas he needed to improve to gain regular first-team football.

Babel is confident he can respond over the coming months and play a part in Liverpool's quest for big prizes.

"I know what I have to do and I will continue to work hard and try and be a regular in the first team," said Babel.

"I like the competition for places as it's good for your development when you have to fight for your place.

"I'm still 22 and I have a long career ahead of me. I know I am good enough and I will try and get a regular place in the starting XI."

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