Sam Ricketts previews Town's fourth-round FA Cup tie with Liverpool.
Shrewsbury Town face-off with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool this weekend in the fourth-round of the FA Cup.
Town progressed past Bristol City in the last round and now take on the World and European Champions at the Montgomery Waters Meadow.
Town’s manager, Sam Ricketts, is looking forward to the occasion and has encouraged his team to enjoy the fixture with the Reds.
“I am excited for everyone,” said Sam. “The supporters, the players and everyone associated with the Club – and certainly the Chairman as well. If he hadn’t run the Club as well as he has, days like this wouldn’t happen.
“It’s great for the Club and highlights all the good that is going on here. All the media who have been have been impressed with the training ground.
"The players have earned the right to play in this game. We have tried to make sure we prepare as normal. We have focused on what we can do. Towards the end of the week, we will look at Liverpool and look at what we will try to do in the game.
“It’s certainly a free-hit, we aren’t expected to get anything from the game. They are European Champions, World Champions, and potential Premier League Champions.
“We aren’t expected to do anything, there is no pressure on us what so-ever. At the same time, we want to enjoy the day. You enjoy these days by doing the right things and playing well.
“Win, lose or draw – we want to leave the pitch knowing we gave it our all. We will see nearer to the time what team Liverpool will put out. We have to be ready for whoever they put out.”
Sam recognises how big the tie is for the Town and is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere in a packed-out Montgomery Waters Meadow.
“The fans will be massive for us on the day,” said Sam. “I want them to enjoy it as much as the players. We’re all relishing Liverpool coming to Shrewsbury. It’s one thing playing Liverpool, but it’s special with them coming to Shrewsbury.
“It adds that little bit more to it and adds to the romance of the FA Cup. It’s not every day you welcome the World Champions to Shrewsbury and have them playing in our backyard.
"We are looking good ahead of the game, we have no real fresh injury concerns. There are a few niggles but hopefully they will clear up towards the end of the week.
“We are using this week to get a full block of training in. We will rest, recover and get ready for Sunday.”