O’Kane ready for Pool test

Midfielder Eunan O’Kane can’t wait to face his boyhood heroes tomorrow.
Bournemouth's Eunan O'Kane.Bournemouth's Eunan O'Kane.
Bournemouth's Eunan O'Kane.

The Bournemouth man is expected to start against Liverpool in Saturday’s early FA Cup tie and he’s hoping his side can cause a cup shock, even if it means his beloved Reds don’t win anything this season.

The 23-year-old former Everton youngster is relishing coming up against the likes of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Steven Gerrard.

Only a few years ago the Feeney man missed out on a chance to face Manchester United, at the Theatre of Dreams Old Trafford when at League Two out-fit Torquay United lost to non-league side Crawley Town, again in the FA Cup.

This time around the ex-Coleraine lad was making sure he didn’t miss out playing against Brendan Rodgers’ team.

“That day against Crawley, although they played well on the day, we felt we should’ve won that game.

“And to watch them playing at Old Trafford a couple of weeks later left a bitter taste in my mouth,” stated O’Kane.

“So I was very conscious of not having that feeling again.

“So I played the best that I could against Burton to make sure we didn’t miss out on a glamorous tie against Liverpool.

“I feel I’m in a very privileged position. A lot of young lads grow up supporting a team and the closest they get to them is watching from the stand.

“But I’m hopefully going to get the opportunity to play against them.

“Growing up, Steven Gerrard was my idol and if you asked me what player I would like to be like, I would pick him.

“When it comes to the game itself I will have to put my loyalties to Liverpool aside and concentrate on doing my best for Bournemouth.

“I’d be over the moon if we were to beat them, I’m a Liverpool fan but if we were to knock them out I think it would take a few weeks to wipe the smile off my face.”

Incidentially tomorrow’s game at Dean Court will be shown live on ITV from 12.45pm.