Draw holds no fear for Reds

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso insists Liverpool fear no-one ahead of the Champions League quarter-final draw in Athens on Friday.

And while captain Steven Gerrard insists he would prefer to avoid the other two English clubs - Manchester United and Chelsea - in the last eight there is an air of confidence surrounding the five-time winners of the European Cup.

"We have to be realistic and go step by step and not look too far ahead. We have respect for other teams but we are not scared of anyone," said Alonso.

"It was tough against Barcelona, but we are very happy and confident. I am looking forward to the draw now."

But the optimism has been dampened by Gerrard, who says if they fail to go all the way to the final in Athens on May 23 the effort put in to beat Barcelona will be wasted.

"I don't care too much who we play next but I would rather not have to face either of the other two English teams," he said.

"The main thing is to keep this going. Winning against Barcelona was fantastic, but to put it up there with the greatest European nights, we have to go all the way.

"If we go out in the next round, it won't mean as much."