Skrtel: I'll relish Benteke challenge
Martin Skrtel will return from a three-game suspension for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final with Aston Villa at Wembley and admits he's relishing the prospect of coming up against the in-form Christian Benteke.
The powerful Belgian forward has fired eight goals in his last six games for the Midlanders, including the winner in last weekend's 1-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur.
Having missed the Reds' last three outings due to a ban, Skrtel is available for selection once again and insists he will be ready for the challenge of trying to thwart Benteke if picked to return to the defensive line.
"He is playing well at the moment," said the centre-back. "He is always difficult to play against but we played against him twice this season and we handled him. I just hope we can do that again. The main thing is to play our game and try to win in our way.
"He is the type of player you have to expect a battle with because he is big and strong. He is quick so it will be difficult, but we are ready for that and we will do everything possible to stop him.
"I'm tall as well and I try to be strong. When we go to the 50/50 challenge we will see who is better in that moment.
"To be honest, I prefer to play against that type of striker, like [Diego] Costa. That is better because for me I don't want to chase the little guys!
"Obviously I don't want to say it is easier for me, but I enjoy that more."
Villa have enjoyed a resurgence in the Barclays Premier League in recent weeks, winning four of their last seven games under the guidance of new boss Tim Sherwood.
"After they changed the manager, they have done well," added Skrtel. "It is not just Benteke, there are many more good players.
"But we are not worried because we know our quality and our strength. We respect the other team, but we are not worried about them.
"We just have to be ready for the game, 100 per cent focused and then we can be successful. We will do everything possible to win."
Skrtel will return to the fold on Sunday determined to help Liverpool take another step towards adding to their trophy haul.
In his seven years on Merseyside, the Slovakian has collected one winners' medal - the 2012 League Cup. However, in the same season, he also discovered what it feels like to taste defeat at Wembley as the Reds were edged out in the FA Cup final by Chelsea.
"I don't have the best memories of Wembley because we lost that final," he said.
"But it is always nice to go and play there. I just cannot wait to play there again and hope we get a win.
"I think every single footballer plays football for the trophies. This is the big chance and the opportunity for us to get one. We will do everything possible to get to the final and get the trophy for us, for the club and for the fans.
"Obviously it is very important for the manager but not just for him, also for the players. Liverpool is a big club, one of the biggest in the world, so we need a trophy. I just hope we can get one this year."
Skrtel concedes Liverpool have endured a mixed 2014-15 season far, particularly having come so close to lifting the Premier League title last season.
However, should they be successful in their pursuit of the trophy, the 30-year-old is optimistic it'll be an experience that will stand the squad in good stead for future challenges ahead.
"You cannot just choose one thing to say what's been missing," Skrtel said.
"There were many games we played well and just couldn't score, then we played badly and scored the goals.
"Last season was very difficult to take because until the end of the season we were fighting for the first place and it was very close and we couldn't get it.
"This season was difficult from the beginning because all of the new players came into the team and it always takes time to adapt to the style.
"I think that is why the first part of the season wasn't the best but after Christmas we had a great period of games.
"The semi-final against Chelsea was unlucky for us because I thought we were doing well, we created chances but just couldn't score. Unfortunately we couldn't win the Capital One Cup, now is our other chance and we will try to do it now.
"We still have the league and the FA Cup to play for. We will do everything possible to finish the season strongly. If we can get a trophy this season it could be motivation for the future."