CARRA: BRING ON THE BIG BOYS

Jamie Carragher claims Liverpool are not daunted at the prospect of meeting one of Europe's footballing giants in the Champions League group stages.

Today's draw could pit the Reds against Bayern Munich, Roma, Juventus, Porto or Atletico Madrid - all of whom failed to secure top seed status. Carragher told Liverpoolfc.tv: "We're looking forward to the draw. It's always a great occasion to see who you get and we're guaranteed six games now. With our record over the last few years, we're confident that whoever we play we'll get through. "The Champions League is about playing the best teams so I'm not looking to avoid anyone." The Scouser's view is shared by goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who believes Liverpool are guaranteed a tough ride whatever the draw brings. He explained: "Any team will be difficult. Look at Atletico Madrid in the last pot – they are a brilliant team. They, or whoever we play, will be hard, but we are Liverpool and have to have confidence." One team not in the draw is Standard Liege, who kept Liverpool at bay for 208 minutes before suffering the heartbreak of a last-gasp winner from Dirk Kuyt. Carragher admits it was the toughest qualifier he's ever played in. "We seem to play this game every year and it always seems tough, then we seem to relax a bit more as the competition goes on," said the 30-year-old. "We don't always make it easy on ourselves but hopefully over the next few years we won't have to be involved at this stage. "It was a tough game and you have to give credit to them – they are worthy of a Champions League place. "They are one of the toughest teams we've played – not just in qualifying but in the Champions League itself." Kuyt's goal was a ninth in 15 European outings for the Dutchman, who added: "It was hard to find space throughout the game but we finally did. Ryan put in a good cross and I gave everything to get to the ball. "The Champions League is a great competition but I'm just happy to score and be involved in important moments for the club. Hopefully I can be involved in a lot more this season. "We obviously had a hard task to get there, so hopefully we won't be in the qualifiers next year." One man more relieved than most when Kuyt hit the back of the net was Reina, who was preparing himself for yet another penalty shoot-out. The Spanish stopper said: "It was a deep breath moment because we really needed that goal – you never know when it goes to penalties. We are happy because of the result – not the way we played."