Wembley trip is reward for 'suffering' Liverpool fans and owners

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes a trip to Wembley is just reward not only for "suffering" supporters but also for the club's owners.

The atmosphere at Anfield for the 2-2 Carling Cup semi-final second leg draw with Manchester City which earned a 3-2 aggregate win and a date with Cardiff next month evoked memories of famous nights of the past under the floodlights.

Principal owner John Henry was among a number of representatives from Fenway Sports Group, who bought Liverpool in October 2010, turning out to watch their club edge closer to their first trophy since 2006.

And after all the turmoil which has taken place at Anfield in the intervening six years, with the lack of silverware compounded by the dysfunctional reign of former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, Dalglish is pleased to be bringing back some joy.

"For the supporters, this is reward for them for what they have been suffering," said the Reds boss.

"It has not been the most pleasant of times at the football club over two or three years.

"For the new owners, it is fantastic for them, going to Wembley.

"It was a good day for everyone connected to the football club, for anyone that feels anything towards the football club.

"I think there are only two players [in the first-team squad] maybe that haven't played in this competition this season for us so it is not just the players on the pitch that can enjoy it.

"Every single one of them should enjoy it; they made it possible to get here with their performances and results previously. We can all share in it."

Dalglish had criticised his players after their dismal performance in the 3-1 defeat at Bolton last weekend but was delighted with their response against the Barclays Premier League leaders.

"It was a fantastic performance. We got more goals over two legs than them and I think the performances in both games were fantastic," he added.

"Especially last night, coming back after losing a goal showed a great deal of courage and determination and pride in how they were playing and what they were playing for.

"Everything that was lacking on Saturday was there in abundance last night.

"City are still in the position in the league that everyone else would like to be in and for us to come out on top was a great achievement for the players over two legs."

PA