Martin Skrtel: 'I'm ready for Christian Benteke test'

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has revealed that he is relishing the prospect of taking on Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Benteke's fine form in recent weeks has given Villa a boost in their bid to avoid relegation and improved confidence ahead of the trip to Wembley, but Skrtel insists that he is ready to handle the threat posed by the Belgian.

"To be honest, I prefer to play against the type of striker like him, like [Diego] Costa," the Slovakian is quoted as saying by The Mirror. "That is better, because for me, I don't want to chase the little guys.

"Obviously I don't want to say it is easier for me, but I enjoy that more.

"There will be a physical battle, no doubt. He is the type of player you have to expect that because he is big and strong. He is quick, too, but we are ready for that and we will do everything to stop him."

Benteke has scored eight goals in his last six games.