"To secure third place so quickly is a good achievement, especially when you look how difficult it's been to qualify for the Champions League in recent seasons," said the Kop favourite.
"It's a sign of how much we've improved to go up two places in a year. Hopefully we can go up another two next season.
"Qualifying for the Champions League hasn't been so easy over the last few years, particularly with Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea dominating the Premiership, but we've managed to add ourselves to that group now.
"No matter what happens against Chelsea in the semi-final, we've had a good season because we've been much more consistent. Obviously, it's winning trophies at the end of it which matters most. If we can win the FA Cup, it will be much better.
"I remember thinking last year that maybe we were destined to win the first final at Cardiff, and then win the last. I thought that chance had gone, but with Cardiff now hosting it this year instead of Wembley, maybe we've got fate on our side.
"We enjoyed ourselves at Cardiff, but I've never played at Wembley so I hope I get a chance to play there in the future. We can't think too far ahead though, let's get the semi-final out of the way first.
"Apart from 2001, we've not reached a quarter-final, never mind a semi or final. It's always worked out we've done much better in the Carling Cup.
"I remember Gerard [Houllier] saying in 2001 how the FA Cup meant more to the English players, but he meant in comparison to the UEFA Cup. All the foreign lads here have grown up watching the competition on TV. They know how important it is."