LEAGUE IS 'TOP PRIORITY' AND CARRICK IS 'FANTASTIC'

Last updated : 27 March 2007 By Editor

"After not doing so well in the Premiership in the last couple of years, we're all more determined than ever to lift the trophy this year.

"The other competitions would be a bonus if we can do well in them. If we could win all three, that would be nice, but if I had to choose one, it would be the league. I think a lot of the players feel that way."

On Carrick:

"He's been fantastic. He's been a great signing for us and I think he's really helped us get to where we are. He's had a great season. His passing is brilliant, most people see that straight away, and not just that, he works hard for the team as well.

"I don't know if he is that much of a different player to Roy (Keane). They do a similar role. It's difficult to compare him to other players. I don't look at it like that. I just know that I can play alongside him and I feel comfortable alongside him in the team. He's got all the capabilities of a top midfielder and that's what you need at this club.

"I suppose he's freed me up a little bit to try and get forward more. I know he doesn't get forward that often. But he can do that, he's definitely capable of scoring goals. But he is more of a sitting midfielder, so he takes on that role and I can get forward."