'Two cups make 11-12 fantastic'
Phil Neal believes 2011-12 will be remembered as a hugely successful season if Liverpool win a second domestic trophy next month – regardless of where we finish in the league.
The club's most decorated player of all time feels the Reds' performances in the cups should not be underestimated - and that they prove progress has been made.
And Neal reckons if Kenny Dalglish's side can add the FA Cup to the Carling Cup against Chelsea at Wembley next month, the current campaign should be regarded as a successful one.
"Two cups would be a good return at the end of the season in my book," Neal told Liverpoolfc.tv as he competes in the Masters tournament in Malaysia.
"I know it's frustrating for the fans we haven't been able to challenge for the top four this season, but if we could finish with two cups it would be fantastic.
"We've got to feel we've made progress this season, and I certainly do.
"We've lifted one cup and we've got a chance of another one next month. If we can capture the FA Cup, it will be a massive plus."
Liverpool have eliminated Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton from cup competitions this season en-route to the two finals.
Neal feels the experience the club's younger players have collected in the tournaments will have a positive effect on their performances in the Premier League next season.
He added: "The youngsters who have been heavily involved in our cup runs, such as Spearing, Kelly and the rest, are learning all the time and they can take that into next season.
"I said before the start of the season it would be difficult to break into the top four, and it's been that way. But if we can improve our home results next season, we can make a challenge.
"We've created a lot of chances in our home games, we just need to start knocking them in.
"I wanted to go to the new Wembley with my team and Kenny has done that for us this season. Now I am looking forward to another challenge in trying to win the FA Cup, and there's no reason we can't go and make it another great day again.
"Let's get behind the lads as all Liverpool fans always do. We've got another cup final to go to and let's make sure we're all hoarse by the time we come back from there having shouted our team to another trophy."