MARC Pugh says Cherries have “two great teams” worthy of facing Liverpool in the mouth-watering League Cup showdown at Dean Court.

Boss Eddie Howe has given his lesser-used players the opportunity to shine in the competition this season and the likes of midfielder Dan Gosling and defender Baily Cargill have impressed.

And winger Pugh says that any member of the current squad would do the club proud in Wednesday’s quarter-final, if given the nod.

Pugh told the Daily Echo: “Every player wants to play in every game but the lads who haven’t been playing in the league have generally been playing in the cup and I think they deserve that opportunity.

“We know that whoever goes out there, we’ve got two great teams and every player will give 100 per cent. We saw against West Brom that 10 of the lads that played didn’t play in the league game previously.

“It’s the beauty of having a big squad – competition for places is massive.

“It’s great that if we get an injury we always have got someone with as good a quality to take their place.”

Pugh started Cherries’ FA Cup encounter with Liverpool in January, which the Reds won 2-0 courtesy of efforts from Victor Moses and Daniel Sturridge.

Although disappointed by the loss at the time, former Hereford man Pugh looks back on the occasion fondly.

He added: “It was a great day and that’s what you want – to play against the best players.

“We gave them a real game last season and we could have nicked the first goal but their quality showed in the end.

“This year the runs are completely different. Last year Liverpool were flying when we played them but this year they are on a bit of a downer.

“Hopefully, they will come to our place and not really fancy it.”