Liverpool’s Danny Ings keen to make mark on Merseyside derby

Liverpool forward Danny Ings says he is relishing the prospect of his first Merseyside derby.

The 23-year-old, one of seven summer signings at Anfield, has experienced the Lancashire derby between Burnley and Blackburn, but admits Sunday's match with Everton at Goodison Park will be on another level entirely. 

Ings insists he is ready for the challenge and says the rivalry associated with derbies gives him an extra level of motivation.

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"I have played in derby games before but I don't think anything as special as this one," he said.

"If I do get the nod to play then I'll be over the moon and excited to get out there.

"Burnley-Blackburn was quite fierce. Going to Ewood Park was extremely tough but we got the win there after, I think, 35 years so that was a special moment for Burnley at the time.

"It meant a lot to me and the fans so hopefully we can do it for the fans and ourselves on Sunday.

"It gives me fire in my belly when you have fans screaming at you and not in a nice way.

"But our fans here are unbelievable and I am sure they will get behind us."

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Since arriving from Burnley in the summer, Ings has been one of the few bright spots of a stuttering start to the new season for Liverpool.

Ings scored his maiden goal for the club in last month's 1-1 Premier League draw with Norwich and followed that up by netting in the third-round Capital One Cup victory over Carlisle. 

He was this week named in the England squad for the first time for the forthcoming European Qualifiers with Estonia and Lithuania.

Ings started Thursday's 1-1 Europa League draw with Sion and is likely to be one of only three outfield players to retain their place. The striker could partner Daniel Sturridge, rested in midweek, if Christian Benteke is not fit enough to return after a hamstring injury.

The result was not the ideal preparation for the derby, but Ings stressed that game would have no bearing on Sunday. 

"It is all about the day," he added. "You can't take into account previous games going into that.

"These are great occasions, occasions that players like me fight for throughout my career, so it is extremely exciting for everyone involved."