Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has insisted that Liverpool should do everything they can to win the EFL Cup, as it would help them kick on in the latter stages of the season.
The ex-Republic of Ireland international, now featuring on BBC Radio 5 live Sport, said that winning the EFL Cup -the final of which is in February/March - wouldhave a positive effect on performances for the rest of the campaign.
The EFL Cup would also be Jurgen Klopp's first trophy since taking over at Anfield in October 2015. As the old adage goes, the first one is always the hardest, and Lawrenson believes that it could open the floodgates of success for the German.
Speaking onBBC Radio 5 live Sport,Lawrenson said:"When we did used to win it, you didn't half kick on for the rest of the season; you've still got eight weeks to play.
"What about when Manchester United were struggling in the league? They won the competition against Wigan and they kicked on."
Lawrenson's comments came after a number of Liverpoolfans phoned into the radio show denouncing the importance of the EFL Cup, arguing that their side should focus on the Premier League instead.
But the Irishman clearly disagreed, eyeing victory in EFL Cup as an important mid-season confidence booster for the team that gets their hands on it.