Finnan sets his sights on glory

Chris Hatherall

Limerick-born Finnan was hugely impressive in Liverpool's outstanding 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Tuesday night and is looking to make history.

The last Irish international to win the European Cup was Irwin back in 1999, after Man United's dramatic victory over Bayern Munich in Barcelona a game that Roy Keane missed through suspension.

Now it is Finnan's turn to revel in the spotlight after surviving the arrival of Spaniard Josemi and rumours that his Anfield career was under threat.

Now the 29-year-old, who has played more the 50 games this season, believes that helping Liverpool lift the Champions League trophy is the perfect way to guarantee his future and underline his commitment to Anfield.

He said: "It's a great feeling to be in the final and now I just want to lift the trophy. We knocked out some good teams along the way so there's no reason for us not to be confident.

"It was a brilliant night at Anfield and I'm thoroughly looking forward to the final in Istanbul. I think we deserved to beat Chelsea because we were right up for it from the first whistle.

"Tactically we got it right over the two legs and gave them very few chances, which was excellent. I think we deserved to go through."

Finnan admits he has worked extra hard to keep his place in the side this season with constant rumours that Rafael Benitez plans to sell him in the summer.

And Tuesday's performance should go a long way to persuading the Liverpool manager that he already has a world-class right-back.

Finnan said: "It's a good feeling to be part of the team despite the stories but next season there will probably be doubts again about a lot of people's futures. Just as long as the manager is happy with me that's the main thing.

"I enjoyed the game and I want more. It's what I came to Liverpool for, it's what all the players at this club came here for.

"We nearly went out against Olympiakos earlier in the campaign but be we came through that and we've knocked out some good teams along the way. There's no reason why we can't win it now."

Having beaten the likes of Chelsea, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen, the Reds insist they will fear no-one.

"Whoever we face you know we're in for a tough night, so we'll be ready," he said. "There has always been high expectation at this club and we want to go there and achieve something special. We will give it everything and we feel we are capable of winning it.

"I don't think Chelsea played too badly but over the two legs the best team won and that gives us a lot of confidence. We kept two clean sheets and you can't ask for more than that. Now we have to do it again."