Lallana eyes hard yards to Wembley
League Cup disappointment has merely fuelled Adam Lallana's desire to lift the FA Cup with Liverpool, though the midfielder knows a replay with Bolton Wanderers tonight is the next step on a difficult path.
The competition's fourth round sprung a series of shocks around the country, with Chelsea sensationally eliminated by Bradford City and Middlesbrough knocking out Manchester City, among other surprise results.
There was a difficult evening for the Reds too. Neil Lennon's obdurate and skilled Championship side arrived at Anfield with no fear, quelling the hosts' search for a winner and creating several inviting chances of their own.
That is why Lallana and his teammates will adopt a respectful approach for the return at the Macron Stadium, though equally with replenished ambitions following their semi-final exit from the Capital One Cup.
The No.20 told Liverpoolfc.com: "We've said we want to win a trophy this year and we're disappointed not to have got to Wembley in the Capital One Cup. So it's extra incentive for us to go far.
"Every kid dreams of going to Wembley and lifting the FA Cup, but you've got to do the hard yards to get there. It's going to be another tough game and obstacle in front of us in Bolton.
"They made it difficult for us and had a lot of men behind the ball. Maybe we weren't clinical enough. Having [Daniel] Sturridge back is a huge bonus, because that's where he's at his best - in and around the box.
"In games where it's tight, you always look to him to poach the goal or get the finish. In the last few games, the Chelsea game comes to mind, we have had a lot of chances but just not been clinical enough.
"Maybe the 'keeper has had a good game, but we have got high standards and when we're in those areas, more often than not we want to turn them into goals.
"They are experienced. Emile Heskey and [Eidur] Gudjohnsen have been around the block, and caused us a few problems, especially on the break in the first half.
"The manager adjusted that at half-time I remember, but it might be a different game going to their place; they might come at us a little bit more, which might make the game a little bit different. But we're still going to show them the respect they deserve. We know it's going to be a tough game."
Should Lallana be utilised by Brendan Rodgers at any point in the tie on Wednesday night, the England international will clock up a 25th appearance for Liverpool since his switch last summer.
At quite the other end of the spectrum is Steven Gerrard. If the captain runs out at Bolton, his tally of games for the club will tick onto 700 - only the third man to achieve such a feat.
Asked if he could possibly assess the magnitude of the skipper's contribution, Lallana was almost lost for words. "No, not really," he said. "700 is phenomenal. And, for me, he is still playing as well as he ever has.
"As a role model, he is the type of player that you're always going to look up to, for anyone in the team. It's still a great honour to play in the same team as him.
"I'm really looking forward to the game and I'm sure Steven is as well. It's a competition we really want to do well in, especially after unfortunately going out of the semis in the League Cup last week."