Lallana aiming to banish boyhood Blues

The midfielder, a summer capture from Southampton, turned in an impressive 120-minute display against Middlesbrough on Tuesday as he continues to top up his fitness following a six-week layoff in pre-season due to a knee injury.

By his own admission, it was Lallana's finest performance yet for his new club - and now he's ready to take that form into this afternoon's Anfield meeting with Everton, the team he followed as a child.

"Pre-season is when you get your base fitness, you get your rustiness out, get the feel of the games and the match tempo," said the 26-year-old.

"Mine came in the Aston Villa game, against Ludogorets, half a game against West Ham and Middlesbrough in midweek. I played 120 minutes and felt the best sharpness-wise since I came here.

"I still feel I am edging towards my best, but knew it would take time with missing pre-season, and I'm loving it now.

"It feels good to be out there and the games are coming thick and fast as well. And they're big games as well, so it is great to be involved in them."

Lallana may have only been a Liverpool player for less than three months, but he's already acutely aware that there is something unique about donning the red jersey - and it's a feeling he's relishing.

"It is something you can't quite explain unless you have experienced it," said the No.20. "There is that difference when you pull on a Liverpool shirt.

"It [the expectancy] is a great feeling. You can see the relationship they [the fans] have with the players here and that is something I hope to build myself. The best way to overcome the expectation and pressure is to just try and enjoy your football.

"Not for one minute did I think it would be easy, coming to such a big club. You have to work twice as hard and that's what I am doing. I'm sure the other signings are as well.

"It's going to take a bit of adjusting, playing with new players, but I am 100 per cent confident we will be better for it.

"We have had a tough spell but that brings everyone together. We ground out the result against Middlesbrough and we are going to have to show that side of ourselves at the minute but we will get there.

"I never visualised it was going to be easy but I want to be tested and I want to do well."

Lallana will be hoping to retain his place in Liverpool's starting XI for the lunchtime Merseyside derby.

And so then, what of that Everton-supporting past?

"Yes, it's true, I was an Everton fan," he admits. "Growing up my dad used to support Everton in the Gary Lineker days, when they were doing well so that's the reason I started following them.

"But when I was supporting them Everton always seemed to be fighting relegation...I seem to remember there were a lot of tears!

"I know Everton have not won at Anfield for 15 years and hopefully we can keep that intact and go on and get the win we need this time too.

"Dad and the rest of the family were delighted when I joined Liverpool.

"They all come to most of the games so they will be here on Saturday, some friends as well - and there'll be no-one in the away end!"