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| NEWS STORY |
CARRA CAUTIOUS OF TITLE TALK
Paul Hassall
05 July 2008
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Jamie Carragher is hoping to end years of frustration and hurt by finally helping Liverpool make a sustained challenge for the Barclays Premier League title.
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The Reds stalwart, who made his debut for the club back in 1997, feels Liverpool have often flattered to deceive when it comes to making a serious push for title number 19 and is hoping that the 2008-09 season will prove to be different.
"People always talk about us pushing for the league, but to be honest it isn't very often that we've even challenged," he said.
"If we were challenging with 10 or 15 games to go then who knows?
"But just a challenge this season would be nice, to still be in the hunt.
"I think it's only happened once since I've been in the team, when I played a few games under Roy Evans.
"We probably should have won the league but let it slip towards the end.
"But since then we've never even challenged so that's something we're all looking for.
"I'd take a title medal over anything else at the moment because that would make my full set, but I just want to be competitive in the league."
In recent seasons the Reds could well have gone much closer to ending the long wait for the title had they picked up more points against the other members of the so-called 'big four.'
It is an argument Carra is happy to acknowledge but not one he necessarily agrees with.
"They're big games, but it's not just about beating Manchester United or the other so-called big teams. I don't go along with that," he added.
"Manchester United lost twice to Manchester City which no-one expected so who knows?"
With Daniel Agger now fit-again and Martin Skrtel and Sami Hyypia both vying for a centre back position, Carragher accepts he will face a fight for his place in the starting XI. But he insists it is a challenge he is more than ready for.
"I've had a few seasons like that over the years where the competition for places has been intense," he added.
"But that's what it's about at Liverpool. It's about the battle for your place and I'm prepared to fight and battle as well as anyone.
"I expected to play in the past and I expect to play again next season.
"Every day you go into training you feel as though you have to prove yourself all over again, although to be honest I don’t think I’ll change anything. I always work hard and I’ll continue to do so."
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