Carragher embraces pressure

Jamie Carragher insists Liverpool thrive on pressure as he prepares for Tuesday night's must-win Champions League clash with Turkish side Besiktas.

The no-nonsense defender demands character from his colleagues, and believes the Reds are more than capable of defying the odds to win their last three Group A games, which would secure unlikely qualification into the last 16.

Carragher said: "We should have pressure, that's what comes from playing for a big team."

He added: "If the results don't go well, and it is same for Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and all the big clubs around Europe, you are under pressure.

"But we want to be under pressure, because it is a big game, it is only what we expect.

"We have a lot of respect for Besiktas, they beat us in Turkey and played well. It was a great atmosphere and they did well, but we know we can put that right on our own pitch.

"Hopefully this will bring the best out of our squad. We have been in this position before and produced the goods then.

"This club is built on character, and we know we need that. We must start the game well and turn it into a great European night."