We can hardly wait – Furman

ATHLETIC skipper Dean Furman says the players are already relishing the prospect of meeting Barclays Premier League giants Liverpool in the FA Cup third round – and are plotting a giant-killing act of epic proportions.

Paul Dickov's side sealed their trip to Anfield on the weekend of January 7 courtesy of a 1-0 win against Southend at Boundary Park last night, with Chris Taylor notching the winner in the second half.

And while many delighted supporters are still getting their heads around the fact they are off to the home of the five-times European champions in a matter of weeks, midfield maestro Furman insisted he and his team-mates wasted no time in turning their attention to giving Kenny Dalglish's side a fright.

He said: "It is so exciting for ourselves and the fans. We didn't want to dwell on it too much before the Southend game, but inevitably it is always in the back of the mind.

"We didn't manage to get the ball down and play the way we like to against Southend, mainly because of the weather conditions, but we are through and that is the main thing.

"The key is to not get overawed at Anfield, even though we won't know how it will feel until we get there.

"As big an occasion as it is, we have to approach it like a league game. I know the manager will set us up to try to win the match. We will be up against some of the best players in the Premier League but that is exactly what we want. That is what it is all about."

The Athletic captain will be pitched against a familiar face at the heart of the engine room in next month's tie.

He added: "I played with Charlie Adam at Glasgow Rangers and I am so pleased to see him performing well for Liverpool. We texted each other after the third round draw was made and it will be great to play against him at Anfield.

"I am hoping Steven Gerrard has returned from injury by then as well, because he is one of the best midfielders in Europe – myself and a few of my team-mates will be chasing him for his shirt at the full-time whistle.

"Kenny Dalglish has a habit of selecting most of his best players in the domestic cup competitions so I expect us to be going head-to-head with a team full of stars.

"Who knows what can happen? “We will give it our best shot and maybe we can surprise a few people.

"Whatever happens, it is going to be a memorable day for everyone connected with the club and the town."