Gerrard determined to prove the faithless wrong

Last updated : 28 February 2005 By Adam Bryant

"I said before the game it would either be the best day of my life or the worst. Now it's the worst," said the Liverpool skipper.

"I really felt we were going to hold on to the win. It was a freak goal which has turned the game their way. I tried to stretch as far as I could to head it away but there was nothing I could do about it. I've never scored an own goal in my life and I can't believe it's happened in a final.

"I'm gutted for the lads and the supporters but we've now got to try and stay focused on qualifying for the Champions League. If we come fourth it will feel like we've won a cup final now because Everton have a big lead over us. This has made me more determined than ever to help us get into the top four. I haven't given up my dream of lifting a trophy as Liverpool captain.

"It's going to be a tough ask for us to win anything this year now, but we'll give it our best shot in the Champions League. Our hopes are still alive. If we get through and Chelsea get through I'd like us to meet them again because I'd fancy our chances."