Glen Johnson insists fatigue will not be an issue as Liverpool FC prepare to face Manchester United

Jan 27 2012 by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo

GLEN JOHNSON insists fatigue will not be an issue as Liverpool prepare for their second crunch cup clash in three days.

The Reds were pushed all the way as they eventually overcame Manchester City over two legs to reach the Carling Cup final this week, with Craig Bellamy’s goal securing a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Tomorrow, they face Manchester United in what promises to be a highly-charged FA Cup fourth round tie at Anfield.

Johnson, however, says fitness will not come into the equation, stressing that Liverpool’s players will have had sufficient time to recover from their midweek exertions.

“The boys are fine,” said the England full-back. “It is normal for us to have games midweek.

“The work rate is there, and the lads will be fine. Having three or four days gives us plenty of time to recover.”

He added: “We knew we were below-par against Bolton and that was unlike us.

“We needed to balance that out by working hard and getting a good performance, and we did that against a good side in City.”

Johnson also believes the Anfield crowd, so vociferous against City, could prove pivotal again on Saturday.

He added: “We’re looking for the same again, really.

“It makes such a big difference when the crowd are like they were on Wednesday. Saturday can be the same.”