WINGER Matt Ritchie insists Cherries will need to be at their “absolute maximum” if they are to stand any chance of springing a surprise in the League Cup.

Ritchie acknowledges Liverpool are having a tough time but says Cherries’ 12-match unbeaten run will face a “massive test” against the Premier League outfit.

The 25-year-old has made two brief substitute appearances in the competition but has been pivotal in Cherries’ rise to the Championship summit.

Ritchie, who came on in the first and second round wins against Exeter and Northampton, has netted four goals in Cherries’ past eight league games, including three in their past four.

He helped former club Swindon reach the fourth round of the League Cup in 2012-13 and was involved in no fewer than three giant-killings as the League One club made the last 16.

Ritchie featured in victories against Brighton, Stoke and a Burnley team managed by Eddie Howe before a dramatic late winner from Christian Benteke saw Aston Villa edge out the Robins 3-2 at the County Ground.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Ritchie said: “It is a huge game and there is a place in the semi-finals at stake. Every game for us is a cup final and we have to try to stay where we are in the league and build a gap between us and the rest of the teams.

“It will be up to the manager as to who plays but we have a great squad. The depth and quality was shown when Yann (Kermorgant) came off the bench against Cardiff and put his free-kick straight in the top corner. Whoever the manager picks, it will be a strong side.

“Liverpool have lost some key players in Luis Suarez (left) and Daniel Sturridge (injured) and they are not having a great time of it at the moment.

“But let’s not get lost in it, they are a top team with world-class players so whichever team they put out, it is going to be a massive test and we will have to be at our absolute maximum to get a positive result.

“We are confident and have shown we can score goals. Hopefully, if we keep playing the way we have and play with confidence and freedom then we can give them a tough test.”