Martin Skrtel is excited by the prospect of facing Manchester City’s star-studded attacking force ahead of Liverpool’s clash with the Premier League champions on Sunday afternoon at Anfield.

The Slovakian centre-back wants to get the Reds off to a good start at home following a disappointing 3-0 defeat away to West Brom on opening day and is looking forward to battling the likes of Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez and Edin Dzeko.

“[City’s strikers] don’t make me nervous,” he declared to Liverpool’s official website. “They are great players and you have to respect them and their quality.

“But we believe in ourselves and we know we have quality of our own. Personally, I am always looking forward to playing against the players like the ones City have.

“It’s always a tough challenge but I enjoy these games. You have to show that you are special if you are going to stop them and that’s what I try to do in every game – and that’s what I will do on Sunday.”

Skrtel stressed that while a visit from the champions is always a big game, he and his team-mates must concentrate on their own game, particularly after their result at the Hawthorns.

“They were champions last season and they are one of the favourites this season but we are only focusing on ourselves,” he continued.

“We’ve got our own targets and to achieve these we have to win games in the league, starting on Sunday.

“It will be a special day and it will be a great opportunity for us to show we are a better team than the one who played against West Brom.”

The Slovakian is looking to build on last season’s successful centre-back parternship with Daniel Agger, enthusing: “I really enjoy playing alongside Daniel. I think there is a good understanding between us and if we can carry on like this, I will be happy.

“But we’ve got more centre-backs in the squad. We have Jamie [Carragher] and Sebastian Coates as well, so whenever we play, I know we will be strong defensively.”

New Liverpool loan signing Nuri Sahin has revealed that Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho encouraged him to join the side after revealing that Brendan Rodgers would be a ‘great person’ for the promising player to work with.

The 23-year-old Turkish midfielder was the subject of a tug of war between the Reds and Arsenal but eventually decided to join Rodgers’ team for the season following discussions with his Madrid coach.

“We talked and he [Mourinho] told me English football, especially Premier League, is the best to enjoy as a player. You can enjoy football every weekend,” Sahin told reporters.

“He also told me Rodgers and him worked together at Chelsea and he is not only a good coach but also a great person. That’s important for me. It was not only football. I wanted someone to speak with as well.”

After speaking with Rodgers about how the Northern Irishman intends to set out his side, Sahin was convinced to make the switch to Anfield.

“To be honest, I hadn’t thought of playing for Liverpool before talking to Brendan Rodgers, as we didn’t have any previous contact. But just after the first conversation, I felt impressed,” revealed the former Borussia Dortmund man.

“He told me how he wants to play football and what his objectives with Liverpool are. From that moment, I started thinking I could make that step.

“I feel proud to play for a great team, as Liverpool is. I’m the first Turkish [player] here and it’s my turn to make Turkish people feel proud now.”

Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has come out in support of Andy Carroll, and believes that the Liverpool striker could make a positive difference to any team.

The striker is thought to be out of favour at Anfield and has been the subject of failed transfer bids from West Ham and former club Newcastle United.

But his England team-mate Hart says that the big frontman is a fine player at that, despite enduring a tough time at the moment, he still has the ability to make an impact at the highest level.

“He’s obviously got issues at the moment with the manager at Liverpool, but that comes in football. I would back him to succeed whichever way he turns,” Hart told The Mirror.

“If he stays at Liverpool, there is no reason why we can’t see him in that starting line-up and everything is resolved. He is a great asset for anyone who has him.

“At the moment, playing without a big striker seems to be the way to go. But there are plenty of teams who do play with one. Andy’s talent is not only kicking and heading the ball, he just happens to be better at it than a lot of people, if not everybody.”

City travel to Merseyside to take on Liverpool on Sunday, and Hart is not looking forward to the prospect of going up against Carroll, who he knows will always pose a threat.

“When Andy comes on or if he starts, you know you are in for a game. I don’t think centre-halves want to play against him,” he continued.

“He might not please everyone, but he is a hell of a good, hard player. He loves to get stuck in and he gives everything. He’s slapped two past me at Anfield before.”