Stevie ready for day of pride
Steven Gerrard thinks it will be a proud day for the city of Liverpool when both its clubs take to the Wembley turf amid a sea of red and blue on Saturday afternoon.
It has been 23 years since the two sides met at Wembley and Gerrard, who has led the Reds out in some of the most intimidating and prestigious venues in world football, is relishing the prospect of returning to the new national stadium to face the old foe.
"It's a proud day for me to lead the lads out at Wembley again and it's a proud day for the city," Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.tv. "The game will be between two massive clubs and two teams who've had a fantastic run in the competition. May the best team win.
"It's a massive game and it's been a long time since Liverpool played Everton at Wembley so it's a fantastic occasion for the supporters. It's another important game for us players, we need to try and forget it's Everton and just focus on a really tough game on the day.
"We'll be ready."
Gerrard made history in March this year when he became the first Liverpool player to score a hat-trick in a Merseyside derby at Anfield since Fred Howe in 1935.
His treble that night ensured the Reds beat Everton for the second time this season after goals from Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez helped Liverpool to a 2-0 win at Goodison in September.
"We've beaten Everton twice this year so that should give us belief and confidence but we need to perform to the same levels at Wembley to get the same result," said Gerrard. "We believe that we have the players in our squad capable of doing the job on the day but we all need to deliver good performances - all the players.
"To reach two major cup finals in the same season would be a fantastic achievement."
As the anticipation surrounding the tie starts to reach fever pitch, the captain also added that he and his teammates are maintaining a sense of perspective.
"We realise that it's important not to get ahead of ourselves," said Gerrard. "Although the game is at Wembley, it's still only a semi-final. There's still one massive hurdle to get over before we can get to the final. We still believe we can beat anyone, Everton included.
"What we have to do is make sure we're ready and focused and we concentrate on the game rather than the occasion."