Steve Clarke cannot wait to test his managerial nous against former employers Liverpool on the opening day of 2012-13.

Clarke fulfilled a long-term ambition this summer when he took the top job at The Hawthorns following his departure from Anfield.

His first competitive encounter will be at home to Brendan Rodgers and company on the weekend of August 18.

"I was delighted, I've got nothing but good memories from my time at Liverpool, so to have them for my first game at the Hawthorns will be fantastic," Clarke said.

"It takes a lot to get me really excited, but this morning I woke up excited."

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