Adam Johnson has got the trophy bug - and that could spell bad news for Liverpool in Wednesday's Carling Cup semi-final.

The Manchester City winger was a substitute in last season's FA Cup final win over Stoke, the Blues' first taste of silverware in 35 years.

It was also the first major trophy of Johnson's career, to go with the nine England caps he has won.

But the 24-year-old wants more.

So, while City's greatest challenge for the remainder of the season remains holding onto top spot in the Premier League, they are refusing to accept defeat in their Carling Cup quest, even though they head to Anfield a goal down from the first-leg a fortnight ago.

"When you have won something you shouldn't just be content with that. It should drive you on even more," said Johnson

"That's why you see the top players walk away with so many medals at the end of their careers.

"I don't want to be happy just because I have an FA Cup medal. Even if we win the Premier League, I will strive for me.

"With the players we have, we want to do it again and again. That is the mentality we are developing."

It is one of the positive spin-offs of being at a club that has advanced so quickly.

Even in the two years since Johnson arrived in a £7million deal from Middlesbrough to become Roberto Mancini's first signing, the progress has been breathtaking.

"Manchester City was already a massive club when I signed but in the two years since, the players who have come in have moved it to the next level," he said.

"I didn't know what to expect because everything happened so quickly.

"It only seems like yesterday that I came but already we are top of the league and have won the FA Cup."

For 24 hours at least, City will forget about their Premier League campaign, even if the latest developments over Mario Balotelli will be impossible to forget, as they attempt to reach Wembley once more.

Their task is a straightforward one.

Beating Liverpool at Anfield is easier said than done, though, even against a Reds team lambasted by their own manager after their tepid performance in defeat at Bolton on Saturday.

Not that Mancini was especially happy with his own side's performance in the first-leg, when a more adventurous approach from the visitors may have taken the tie away from City.

As it turns out, the Blues are not without a chance, and are making light of their suspensions and international absences too.

"We let ourselves down against Liverpool at home but now we have nothing to lose," said Johnson.

"It's a tricky one for them. Do they try to attack us or try to defend against our quality players for 90 minutes?

"The thing is no matter who we play, we will create chances at some point. We beat them 3-0 at home, so we can score against them.

"No-one is expecting us to go through so the pressure is off for once and we can go there with freedom, play our football and have a go.

"It won't be easy but we are quietly confident."