Derby County's Korey Smith believes it will be 'a nice change' for the Rams to be the underdogs when they head to Liverpool on Wednesday night in Round Three of the Carabao Cup - and knows anything can happen on the night.
The 31-year-old has experience of going to Merseyside as the underdog from his time with Oldham Athletic and says although the occasion will be enjoyable regardless of the result, it doesn't take away from the want to win.
Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the tie, the midfielder, who has played at right-back in recent matches, discussed his new-found role at right-back, the current schedule and Wednesday's game.
On the current busy schedule…
It is what it is at the end of the day. It does seem a little bit strange that we do have so many away games this month, but that’s the fixture list and we’re footballers and it’s our job to play football.
I can’t lie and say it’s easy on the body because it’s not, but we’re doing everything we can to recover and be ready for each game.
On spending more time with the squad…
We’re still a fairly new group but we’re very close-knit now. We don’t mind the away trips sometimes, they are good fun on the coach and being at the hotels and having a laugh. That’s the positive I guess with all the travelling we are doing.
On dwelling on disappointing results after the late draw at Torquay…
There really isn’t any time to dwell on it or overthink it. If we sit there moping, it is no good. We've got Liverpool tomorrow and another game in a few days, so there’s no time for it. We’re a bit depleted on numbers at the moment too so there’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves. Win, lose or draw - it’s all focus on the next game.
On the role at right-back…
The gaffer has asked me to do a job there. I see myself as a team player and although I’ve not played there much in my career, if it’s what the team needs then I’m happy to do it.
I’m always proud to be on the pitch and playing a game of football. It is new to me so I may make a few mistakes but I think I’m doing a decent job there and the gaffer seems happy with me.
On the trip to Anfield…
I’ve got two little boys and they are very excited. One of them said this morning on the way to school: "I’m not sure you’ll be able to beat Liverpool but you can try your best." So now if we get that win I can say ‘what did you say son?'
It’s a dream to play in these stadiums and play one of the best teams in the world. I’ve had tough times and injuries so I know how special every moment like this can be. Hopefully we can go there, put on a good performance and you never know what can happen.
I played there with Oldham Athletic and it’s something you look back on. I managed to get Steven Gerrard’s shirt and it’s something that will stay with me forever. We’re not just there for a day out though. You go there to try and make your fans happy and proud of you and you never know; if you can get a result that will top it off.
On being the underdog…
We play for a massive football club and it is everyone’s sort of 'Cup Final' when they are playing against us, so in a way it will be nice to have a game where we’re the underdog.
It’s a football match and once you’re on the pitch it’s eleven players against eleven. You have a structure, a plan and you try and execute it and that’s what we’ll try to do.
