Martin O'Neill: Hopes to be celebrating again at Anfield on Wednesday

Anfield has proved a remarkably happy hunting ground for the Ulsterman over the years, with former clubs Leicester and Aston Villa having both won there, and he admits it is a ground he relishes visiting.

Sunderland's brief winning run came to an end after two games against Tottenham on Saturday but he hopes to be able to start another one on Merseyside ahead of a league respite when the FA Cup kicks off this Saturday.

"I've won almost every time," said O'Neill with a wide smile on his face.

"It's a surprise - with Leicester City, I think we won three consecutive times. I've done all right.

"We won with Aston Villa. We were also well beaten on one occasion with Aston Villa - I think we were beaten five and it could have been more, but the last time we visited there, we won.

"It's a great ground, it's very atmospheric. It's a great ground to play in and a great ground to visit and be there.

"For one or two of our lads, particularly the younger lads, it will be a great experience for us.

"We are stretched a bit but that's only to be expected really at this time of the year, and we have to go again on Wednesday.

"Brendan (Rodgers) is just new into the job, and it's a big task. That said, Liverpool last season won the League Cup, they were in the final of the FA Cup as well. And whatever you say about it, they have got one or two young kids coming into the side, but still have got loads of really good players at their disposal."