Borini: Cup win can take us to next level
Fabio Borini believes silverware success for Liverpool this season can help Brendan Rodgers' side progress to the next stage of their development.
The Reds take on Bolton Wanderers at Anfield this evening aiming to move into the fifth round of the FA Cup, this just three days before the return meeting of a finely-poised Capital One Cup semi-final with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Borini feels if Rodgers' men can achieve success in either of those tournaments, or indeed in the Europa League, it will provide them with the perfect platform to move on to the next level.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "Last year I had the fortune to be in the final of the Capital One Cup [with Sunderland]. The FA Cup is a hard cup to get to the final of because you play so many games against many different kinds of teams. You cannot expect anything.
"I know how important it is in England to win the FA Cup and it can take you to the next stage. Winning a trophy for Liverpool at this stage is very important."
Liverpool will go into today's teatime kick-off buoyed by an outstanding display in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield - a game in which they could consider themselves unfortunate not to have won.
"It's given us lots of confidence because they are top of the league and are a very hard team to beat," said Borini.
"They are good when they go in front but we managed to get back into the game, so it gives us confidence for the next leg - but also for against Bolton because that is the next game.
"We have to win that game too to go through in the other cup competition, which is important. To produce a big performance as we did against Chelsea is important."
Bolton arrive at Anfield in 15th position in the Championship table.
Borini knows Neil Lennon's men will relish their underdogs tag and will provide a physical battle that Liverpool will be required to rise to.
"Last season I was playing for Sunderland and when we were going to United, Chelsea and the rest, there was no pressure for us because everybody expected us to lose," he said.
"It's easier from their point of view to come to Anfield and play because they just need to enjoy it. We have to do the job and win the game.
"It is always hard to play against a lower-division club in England. They will put all of their hard work and all the passion they possibly can into it, and against Liverpool at Anfield is even more exciting for them. If we equal that, we can win the game.
"It will be physical, but if we can play our football - as we did against Chelsea - we can get the win. We need to have the right mentality."