Cautious Carragher refuses to be carried away with Liverpool title bid

It is almost two decades since the Reds were champions of England and veteran defender Carragher has been involved for more than half of that period.  

In recent years, Liverpool have been among the favourites to lift the Barclays Premier League crown when the season kicks off but their challenge has invariably faltered. 

Carragher: Aiming to add the Premier League to his extensive trophy cabinet

'People always talk about us pushing for the league, but to be honest it isn't very often that we've even challenged,' Carragher told the club's official website.

'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 (in 1996-97).  

'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.

Carragher, who has won every major domestic and European honour apart from the Premier League, added: '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.'

Liverpool's major problem in recent seasons has been their inability to get the better of their head to heads with title rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal. 

However, Carragher said: '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. 

'Manchester United lost twice to Manchester City (last season), which no-one expected, so who knows?'

Centre-back Carragher, 30, has made himself an automatic selection at Anfield but he could face competition this season from Martin Skrtel and the fit-again Daniel Agger. But the Bootle-born stopper has no intention of giving up his place.  

'I've had a few seasons like that over the years where the competition for places has been intense. 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.'