EVERYONE WANTS US TO KO KOP
But Shrews star Shaun backs Reds playing kids
SHREWSBURY forward Shaun Whalley believes the neutrals are desperate for them to dump Liverpool out of the FA Cup tonight.
The Scouser is a big Reds fan who is relishing playing at Anfield for the first time.
And he claims Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp can do no wrong as his unbeaten side are poised to add the Premier League title to the Champions League and Club World Cup trophies.
But Whalley knows Klopp’s call to stick to a winter break and put out the club’s kids tonight for Under-23 chief Neil Critchley has been widely criticised. The German has been accused of disrespecting both League One Town and the Cup after revealing his replay plans in the wake of the original 2-2 draw when the hosts fought back from 2-0 down (Whalley and Jason Cummings celebrating below).
Whalley, 32, said: “The neutral fans want us to win and knock Liverpool out for disrespecting the Cup.
“But whatever Klopp says, Liverpool fans stick with because of the unbelievable job he has done. He has a lot of backers and I’m one of them.
“I’m glad he is playing the kids and I’m another Liverpool fan who thinks Klopp can’t do any wrong. If he thinks his stars need a week off then by all means they can have it. It gives us a much better chance of winning at Anfield. We are still going to be underdogs, but it gives us a much better chance to progress.
“In the first game, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino came on and they had strong centre-halves in Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren.
“Liverpool’s young lads are brilliant players but let’s have it right, they are not as good as the names I just reeled off.
“The first team are 22 points clear at the top of the Premier League so I wouldn’t rate our chances against that team.”
Whalley (left) will spearhead the Shrews’ attack tonight alongside Callum Lang as Cummings, who scored twice to earn a replay, is likely to be on the bench again following his return from injury.
And Whalley is dreaming of hitting the back of the net at his beloved Anfield after missing two good opportunities at Shrewsbury.
He added: “I went home from the first game and watched my first chance about 500 times – coming to the conclusion that Adrian is a top keeper.
“I was glad that we only drew so we could go back to Anfield.
“I have waited 32 years to play there and I am looking forward to it. I am going to run around like a mad man for 90 minutes and, hopefully, win.”