Dalglish eager to build on cup win

Less than 14 months after Dalglish answered the SOS call of owner John Henry, the Scot guided Liverpool to victory. That they had to come from behind before drawing 2-2 and then survive the shock of failing to convert their first two penalties in a shoot-out that saw them squeeze home 3-2 matters little.

"Although we have won something, that is not us finished," he said. "We don't want to stop here, we want to keep going. It (Liverpool) means an awful lot to a lot of people."

He added: "All we do is try to make them as happy as we possibly can. Today we have been able to do that. Hopefully it makes up for some of the days when we have not been able to."

After Martin Skrtel had levelled Joe Mason's surprise opener, Dirk Kuyt thought he had won it in extra-time, only for Cardiff to bravely rally and Ben Turner to take the contest to penalties.

Steven Gerrard was amongst those to miss but the fact his cousin Anthony failed at the last to give Liverpool the cup made it a bitter-sweet occasion for the Reds skipper.

"The game had to be settled some way and we feel for Anthony Gerrard, who missed the vital one that meant we won the trophy," said Dalglish. "We are delighted to have won the trophy. Throughout the whole competition, we have deserved it. We have played well and come through some really hard games."

Dalglish refused to take personal credit for the transformation in Liverpool's fortunes since he replaced Roy Hodgson. And, whilst he accepted the euphoria at winning a trophy could inspire his players to more, the Scot insists nothing will be achieved without a strong team ethic.

"I don't think anyone who has ever won a trophy has come away from it saying they didn't enjoy it," said Dalglish. "If you do something and you enjoy it, you are going to want more of it. It is logical. The idea six years ago was not to go six years without winning a trophy.

"We are where we are now because of the work everyone has done, not just me."