Sunday 18 December 2016 20:17, UK
James McCarthy says the Goodison Park fans have a big role to play when Everton and Liverpool meet on Monday Night Football.
The 227th Merseyside derby is the final Premier League fixture before Christmas, with the Reds looking to keep their title challenge afloat and the Toffees revelling in the idea of knocking them off track.
The home fans need no encouragement to get themselves up for what is always a special date on their calendar, but McCarthy has reminded them just how much their passion is appreciated after the raucous reaction to a surprise win over Arsenal last week.
"The fans responded after a few tackles and Arsenal knew they were in a game," he said.
"It was a really great atmosphere and now we're looking to the derby. The fans will come out in their numbers, as always, and within the squad we know how massive the game is. We look forward to it.
"Under the floodlights at Goodison, you can see the atmosphere and it's one you want, one we're all really excited about.
"It's definitely always a big game, it's your rivals and you want to get one over them. When Monday comes, we'll be ready."
