UEFA Cup: Houllier issues Euro challenge

Liverpool's new generation have been challenged to make their mark on the club's European history.

The Anfield club will reach their first European final since the 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster if they beat Barcelona in the Uefa Cup semi-final, second leg.

It is the toughest assignment in Liverpool's dramatic cup-chasing season.

But Gerard Houllier, who is likely to restore Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen to his side after both were rested for Monday's derby triumph at Everton, has demanded that his team raise themselves to new heights.

He said: "This is a new generation of Liverpool players. It is now down to them to make a name for themselves.

"Thanks to the achievements of generations of players in the past - through the 60s, 70s and 80s - this club is about winning trophies and reaching finals.

"We know that this generation is a developing and progressing team and they want to make a name for themselves and reach a European final."

In what is Liverpool's 23rd cup tie of an amazing season, world-class stars like Rivaldo, Patrick Kluivert, Frank de Boer and possible summer transfer target Josep Guardiola will test Liverpool's mettle.

"Barcelona can be awesome on their day," admitted Houllier.

"They can score goals, as they have shown by hitting eight in two games since we held them 0-0 in the first leg in the Nou Camp.

"They are a very high-profile, prestigious, experienced team and we are a growing team.

"But we can give them a game. We too can score goals. It will be a totally different game from the first leg, but I am delighted we managed to get that draw from the first leg.

"There has been some criticism, from Spain, about how we played in that match. But I haven't heard any from the English end."

Barcelona skipper Guardiola believes victory for his team will be essential at Anfield, especially as they are now outside the top four in the Spanish League and the qualification group for the Champions League.