By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
JAMIE CARRAGHER is preparing for one of the 'proudest nights' of his career by skippering Liverpool in tonight's Super Cup final.
Steven Gerrard has lost his race for fitness, leaving vice-captain Carragher to lead the side against CSKA Moscow.
"To captain Liverpool in any game is special, but to do it in a final, particularly an occasion like this, would be one of the proudest nights of my life," said Carragher.
"Obviously, the most important thing is to win the game.
"We'll be looking to put in a good performance because, as the gaffer has said, winning any trophy is what it's all about for us."
Liverpool earned the right to compete for their third Super Cup thanks to Champions League glory, but they'll need to repeat their heroics to get through a fearsome group stage this season.
The Reds were paired with Chelsea, Anderlecht and Real Betis in yesterday afternoon's draw.
Manager Rafa Benitez insists the Reds European opponents will be more worried about facing the holders than vice-versa, but he's admitted his side will have to significantly improve in form.
Jose Mourinho's squad will be seeking revenge for their semi-final exit last May, as well as their defeat in the race for Gerrard's signature.
Benitez is typically unflustered. "I'm not worried which teams we face because every side in the competition is strong," he said.
"Maybe some teams will now be more worried about facing Liverpool. Some clubs will think they have to be careful when they face us because of what we've achieved last season.
"We only need to worry about improving ourselves as a team before the competition starts because we'll be playing against excellent sides. We will have be at our best in every match.
"It will be difficult for us to get through, but it was difficult last season and we responded in the right way.
"I'm as hungry now as I was before we won the European Cup to win more trophies. I will try to make sure it happens at Liverpool again."
Skipper Gerrard, who was named Europes' Most Valuable Player ahead of the draw in Monaco, felt it was inevitable Liverpool and Chelsea would meet.
"It was a special atmosphere last season and it will be the same this time," he said.
"There was a lot of talk about this happening because of the country protection situation and as the names kept coming out, I knew this would happen."
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good luck jamie carragher... he deserves to lift it
in the studio
( I am just kidding)
Cisse on the bench. full team: Reina 
