It is almost two decades since the Reds were champions of England and veteran defender Carragher has been involved for more than half of that period.

In recent years, Liverpool have been among the favourites to lift the Premier League crown when the season kicks off but their challenge has invariably faltered.

"People always talk about us pushing for the league, but to be honest it isn't very often that we've even challenged," Carragher told the club's official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"If we were challenging with 10 or 15 games to go then who knows?

"But just a challenge this season would be nice, to still be in the hunt.

"I think it's only happened once since I've been in the team, when I played a few games under Roy Evans (in 1996-97).

"We probably should have won the league but let it slip towards the end.

"But since then, we've never even challenged, so that's something we're all looking for."

Carragher, who has won every major domestic and European honour apart from the Premier League, added: "I'd take a title medal over anything else at the moment because that would make my full set, but I just want to be competitive in the league."

Liverpool's major problem in recent seasons has been their inability to get the better of their head to heads with title rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

However, Carragher said: "They're big games, but it's not just about beating Manchester United or the other so-called big teams. I don't go along with that.

"Manchester United lost twice to Manchester City (last season), which no-one expected, so who knows?"

Centre-back Carragher, 30, has made himself an automatic selection at Anfield but he could face competition this season from Martin Skrtel and the fit-again Daniel Agger.

But the Bootle-born stopper has no intention of giving up his place.

"I've had a few seasons like that over the years where the competition for places has been intense," he said.

"But that's what it's about at Liverpool. It's about the battle for your place and I'm prepared to fight and battle as well as anyone.

"I expected to play in the past and I expect to play again next season.

"Every day you go into training, you feel as though you have to prove yourself all over again, although to be honest I don't think I'll change anything. I always work hard and I'll continue to do so."

Meanwhile, striker Fernando Torres has revealed how pressure from manager Rafael Benitez and inspiration from captain Steven Gerrard have helped him to become a global superstar and European champion.

The 24-year-old topped off a season during which he scored 33 goals in his debut campaign for the Reds by firing Spain to the Euro 2008 title last weekend.

And he claims manager Benitez's demand for constant improvement has driven him to ever greater heights following last summer's transfer from Atletico Madrid.

"After you score 20, Benitez is at you during the next training session and stays on top of you all day, all week," Torres told Champions magazine.

"I want to progress in life, not relax, not be complacent, and you need someone close to you telling you to keep at it. It is impossible to do it otherwise.

"We don't always fancy someone that close but, in the long term, I am sure that everybody will thank him for it."

The Spaniard has also been impressed by his club captain Gerrard, and in particular by the midfielder's ability to deal with the pressures that come with his high profile.

"He's always under tremendous pressure to perform and everyone looks to him to show leadership, to lift the team," Torres said.

"He's a great example, and those of us who have been in a similar situation know how difficult it is to handle.

"It's incredible the way he carries himself regardless of what is going on around him. I'd love to be captain of another team one day and Steve has shown me how to be a great leader."