Saturday 16 January 2016 12:20, UK
Steven Caulker says he is primed and ready for Liverpool's Super Sunday clash with Manchester United.
One of the highlights of the English football calendar pits the country's two-most decorated sides - and two of the Premier League's most colourful managers - against each other at Anfield, with both teams looking to steal a march in the race for Champions League qualification.
For Caulker, Sunday will be the first time he has experienced the fixture, with the 24-year-old only completing a surprise loan move from QPR to Liverpool this week.
And, having made his debut in Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Arsenal, the centre-back revealed he was more than ready to play a bigger role when United roll into town.
"Games don't come much bigger than that," he told Soccer Saturday. "Arsenal and United games are two very tough starts.
"If I get any game time on Sunday then I'm ready to go. I've been training hard this week, getting ideas of what the manager wants from his team and from his centre-halves.
"Points-wise the game isn't too far off the top four, it's quite a close league so as a derby it's a big game.
"I know the history behind the game and I've been told about the game by all the fans I've seen. There is a big buzz around the city and hopefully we get three points."
Despite having a career which has only spanned seven years, Liverpool became Caulker's eighth professional club when he signed until the end of the season.
If I get any game time on Sunday then I'm ready to go. I've been training hard this week, getting ideas of what the manager wants from his team and from his centre-halves.
Previous loan spells have seen the former Tottenham youth product progress all the way into the England national team. But now Caulker is keen to settle down at the club, establish himself and get back to playing his best football.
"I've been a bit of a journeyman so far," he added. "I've had a lot of loan spells when I was breaking through at Tottenham to gain the experience.
"Then I decided to move to Cardiff from there and, on reflection, I could have been a bit more patient but I felt I wanted to play games and took the decision to go to Cardiff.
"I enjoyed my time there but unfortunately it didn't quite work out with us obviously getting relegated.
"I'd love to settle down now and find a club where I'm playing my best football and one I feel welcome at. So far this club [Liverpool] has made me feel very welcome."
Catch the full interview with Steven Caulker on Soccer Saturday, 12pm, Sky Sports News HQ. Watch Liverpool v Manchester United live on Super Sunday, 1pm, Sky Sports 1 HD.
