“I think that’s been a little bit of a blessing for us, the Port Vale game, from an injury point of view.

“I think it adds a game obviously to the schedule which isn’t ideal, but we were going to be without a couple for Port Vale – there’s no getting away from that.

“Obviously without going into too many names, Robbo (defender Marc Roberts) not being involved in the game. It gives Nathanael Ogbeta a chance to get involved, so he’ll be clearly involved now for Liverpool.

“It just helps us from that point of view in terms of bodies now that we’ve got a little bit of a break, which is good because we’re not blessed with the biggest of squads.”

Barnsley must have “real focus, concentration and mentality”

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Barnsley have actually won on their last two visits to Anfield, the most recent being the infamous cup upset against Rafa Benitez’s Reds.

“It’s difficult to know what personnel will be out there,” Hourihane added.

“Are the big boys going to play, or will they go a little bit weaker? Either way, we need to be ready and have a game plan. I want the lads to maximise the opportunity and express themselves.”

Hourihane is still just 34 years old but is already looking like a promising young manager, taking charge of Barnsley initially as an interim coach before taking the job permanently.

Having played 31 times in the Premier League for Aston VillaHourihane was asked if his experience could help his team in any way on Monday.

“I think the biggest thing for me, in terms of when your team isn’t quite at the level of the top, top players, is the focus and concentration around it mentally,” he replied.

“I think that’s the biggest, biggest thing. You have to go into these games knowing you’re going to go long periods without the ball.

“You’re going to have to really have a focus and a concentration and a mentality. If you switch off, if you’re late to a press or if you leave your slot at the wrong time, these top players will nullify that. There’s no question about it.

“So having a real focus, concentration and mentality going into the game that you’re going to have to be ultra switched on at all times, and if you can handle that mentally around your job, individually and collectively, then you give yourself a chance to have a foothold in the game in some way, shape or form.”

While the third-tier players will be eager to prove themselves against elite opposition, the management will also be aware of their crucial league games coming up.

Barnsley are currently 17th in League One, just two points above the relegation zone, albeit with three games in hand on their fellow strugglers.

Following their trip to Anfield, they play Blackpool at home on January 17, with the Seasiders on the same number of points and among the relegation candidates.