Dejan Lovren ready for first Merseyside derby

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has declared himself ready for his first taste of a Merseyside derby ahead of Saturday's clash with Everton.

The Croat, a £20m summer signing from Southampton, is expecting a typically feisty affair at Anfield tomorrow, but claims to be ready for anything that the occasion throws up.

"I can't wait. I know it's a big derby and there will be a lot of passion, especially playing at Anfield. It will be a tough game, for sure - Everton are a good team. But I'm confident," he told the club's official website.

"I already know about the derby - the passion, the fans - and I know it's something special. It means a lot to the fans when you win the derby.

"I know what to expect in the game and the atmosphere. When you play a derby, it is tough every time. But the Premier League is already tough. It will be like every game for me, I'm ready for everything."

Kickoff tomorrow is scheduled for 12.45pm.