MARK Venus insists Albion's coaching staff and players cannot wait to get their teeth into tomorrow's clash with Liverpool (ko 5.30pm).

Rafa Benitez's Reds suffered their first defeat of the season on Sunday, a surprise last-gasp reverse at bottom-club Tottenham.

But they have otherwise made an impressive start to the campaign and are only second to Chelsea on goal difference.

Assistant manager Venus claims earning the right to play at grounds like Anfield is the reason why Albion busted a gut to win promotion last term.

And he has urged the players to enjoy pitting their wits against Steven Gerrard and Co as they bid to become the first team to win at Anfield since Barnsley's shock FA Cup fifth-round victory in February.

"Liverpool are a top-four team on the crest of a wave despite their last league result," said Venus.

"They've got a belief this year they can get in among the top-two in the league - and who says they can't?

"They've spent a lot of money on the team and have a decent balance.

"It's Liverpool FC - a great game for our players.

"It's a terrific challenge for them.

"We've come up from the Championship and the players are still learning the league.

"The team was only really assembled 12 months ago and they're still getting adjusted to the Premier League.

"But it's great to take on these type of players at this type of ground.

"Everyone has to play Liverpool home and away and we, as coaches, are looking forward to having a go too."

Tony Mowbray's No.2 also feels Albion should draw confidence from encouraging spells during their trips to Arsenal and Manchester United.

"When you play the top sides you can feel the quality of the opposition," added Venus.

"The strikers also have that bit extra to make a difference to their team.

"They don't need three or four chances.

"They generally only need one and it's in the back of your net.

"On the other hand, I thought we did alright after the first 20 minutes at Arsenal.

"And, for at least the first 45 minutes at Manchester United, we acquitted ourselves well.

"I don't think we've been totally rolled over but they are big clubs with big players.

"We're holding our own in this league.

"We're giving as good as we get.

"It's obviously disappointing when you concede goals late on and a couple of sloppy ones as we've gone along.

"But, overall, our performance level has been fine.

"Teams have known they've been in a game and that the result could have gone either way."

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