Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher expects a much sustained challenge from the Reds for the Premier League title next season.

The former England international feels the Anfield side has repeatedly failed at making a serious chase for the title but has his fingers crossed over the 2008-09 season.

The 30-year-old defender his hoping to give his best to the club in order to see his side as a strong contender till the end of the season.

"People always talk about us pushing for the league, but to be honest it isn't very often that we've even challenged," he said.

"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.

"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.

"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."