Brendan Rodgers: 'FA Cup win can be a springboard'

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that an FA Cup triumph this season can act as a springboard for further success for his side.

The Reds take on Aston Villa in the weekend's second semi-final at Wembley this afternoon, and the Northern Irishman believes that a cup win could lead to a sustained period of dominance.

He told the club's official website: "For us to win a trophy this year would really be a springboard for the development of the team, and that is something we're pushing very hard to do.

"Over the last couple of years, the players have consistently been very good. The competition is now far greater than it has ever been in terms of teams competing.

"This year was about focusing on the trophies and the cups; we reached one semi-final and we're now in another one, so we've shown the intent that we want to win."

The winners of this afternoon's clash will meet Arsenal in May's final after the Gunners edged out Reading on Saturday.