FA Cup: Perfect incentive for Tranmere
First Division Tranmere were handed the perfect incentive to overcome Southampton in the FA Cup on Tuesday - a quarter-final tie at home to Merseyside neighbours Liverpool.
Tranmere, struggling at the foot of the table, earned a replay after forcing a 0-0 draw at The Dell yesterday.
Liverpool secured their place in the last eight with a comfortable 4-2 victory against Manchester City.
That leaves them on course for a notable Cup treble - Uefa Cup, FA Cup and Worthington Cup.
Manager Gerard Houllier said they would not be treating either Tranmere or Southampton lightly.
"Whatever team it is going to be it will be a tough game," he said.
"It is a tough draw because we are away first. It is not going to be easy.
"We've done well in the cups so far and got the cup final next Sunday as well as the second leg in midweek against Roma.
"It's good to be involved in four competitions and to see all my strikers back.
"Tranmere have a reputation for scalps and have beaten Premiership teams over the last 18 months. Whatever team we meet it won't be easy."
