JAMIE CARRAGHER revealed Liverpool’s Wembley victory was the realisation of a childhood dream – but admitted his side had made hard work of it.

The 34-year-old played his part as the Reds overcame Cardiff City on penalties to clinch the Carling Cup, the 11th medal of his Anfield career.

It was, however, his first Wembley appearance for the Reds, and he admits it has been a long time coming.

“It’s something you dream of as a kid,” he said. “It used to be the 39 steps – I’m not sure how many it was today. But it was great to see Stevie lift the trophy at Wembley. We’ve had great days at Cardiff but not been to Wembley. The most important thing is the club winning trophies and hopefully it’s the first of many to come.”

Carragher admitted he was glad the Reds ended their six-year wait for silverware by securing their eighth League Cup success, but revealed he is already setting his sights on the next trophy. He said: “It has been too long.

“We’re coming to the latter stages of our career myself and Stevie (Gerrard) and because we have gone so long without winning anything you don’t want to finish your career going seven or eight years without.

"It was a relief for both of us to get a trophy, for ourselves and the club.

“It maybe takes the pressure off now for the next year or two and we can maybe relax and go on to try and win more trophies, hopefully bigger trophies.

“The Carling Cup, even though we are delighted to get it, it’s probably the one out of the four that’s maybe not the biggest out of the rest of them.

“We’re delighted to get it but hopefully we can go on to bigger and better things this season and hopefully next season as well.”

He added: “It was a big day for everyone.”