Shane Lowry admits Villa's squad is thin, although he is hoping to capitalise by playing against Liverpool.
Villa youngster looking to impress at Anfield
Young defender Shane Lowry admits Aston Villa's squad is down to the bare bones, although he is hoping to capitalise by seizing his chance against Liverpool.
The 20-year-old Australian stopper could make his Premier League debut on Monday night with Curtis Davies struggling with a shoulder injury.
Lowry replaced Davies in Villa's Europa League clash against Rapid Vienna last Thursday and is primed to feature at Anfield on Monday.
The youngster is unfazed by tackling the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and is just hoping to get the nod from Martin O'Neill.
Opportunity
"The squad might be a bit thin but it's a good chance for the lads coming through. It certainly gives us more of an opportunity," explained Lowry.
"For a young player coming through, the lack of signings is ideal because you want to get your chance.
"In terms of Europe, we are only 1-0 down. We'll take them on again at Villa Park and we have the quality to go out there and get the result.
"For me, I'll view it as a mixed debut. Yes, I was happy to play - but the team didn't get the result."
History is not on Villa's side as the Midlands outfit have not beaten Liverpool since 2001 and were thumped 5-0 at Anfield last season.
World's best
Fernando Torres will be the danger man for Rafa Benitez and Davies, who is unlikely to play, believes he is one of the world's best strikers.
Davies is crossing his fingers Villa can emerge with a 2-2 draw they secured in January 2008 rather than a repeat of last season's mauling.
"We play against top players every week but they don't get any bigger than Torres," said Davies. "We'll have to be on our game and hopefully it'll be more like the scoreline of two years ago than of last season.
"You can't have special plans for a player like Torres because he's one of the best strikers in the world.
"If you make a plan for him he'll do something different. He's that good a player. Last year we didn't do well against Liverpool - but at least he was quiet - and the year before we did well when we drew 2-2."
