GOALKEEPER Asmir Begovic knows Cherries will face a “huge challenge” to halt the Liverpool express but also believes their resilience can stand them in good stead.

Begovic played a starring role as Eddie Howe’s men ended a four-match losing run in the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Huddersfield on Tuesday.

The Bosnian pulled off a string of fine saves as Cherries clung on having forged into a 2-0 lead thanks to early goals from Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser.

Begovic thwarted the Terriers three times in the space of four first-half minutes, keeping out efforts from Alex Pritchard, Laurent Depoitre and Aaron Mooy.

And although he was beaten by Terence Kongolo’s header on 38 minutes, Begovic stood firm as the visitors fashioned a host of further chances in the second half.

While Begovic acknowledged Cherries had not been at their best against Huddersfield, he also said their dogged defensive display would prepare them for what Liverpool may throw at them.

The 31-year-old, ever present in the Premier League since joining Cherries in 2017, told the Daily Echo: “Huddersfield played really well and we were very fortunate to get away with the three points.

“But we were clinical when we needed to be and clung on to the lead, which we were very thankful for. You could argue we had played a lot better in the previous four games and lost them all so, sometimes, a performance doesn’t reflect a score. Ultimately though, it’s the three points that count.

“We know we are going to have to put in a better performance against Liverpool but, at the same time, we showed resilience against Huddersfield and did what was required to get a positive result.”

Begovic, who has kept 10 clean sheets in 53 top-flight appearances for Cherries, felt the full force of Liverpool’s attacking armoury when he conceded seven times in two games against them last season.

Much-vaunted trio Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino netted in a 3-0 win at Anfield in April, while Salah, Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Dejan Lovren scored in a 4-0 victory at Vitality Stadium 12 months ago.

Begovic, who helped former club Stoke crush the Reds 6-1 in May 2015 and kept a clean sheet for the Potters at Anfield in October 2012, added: “They are a top side with a lot of threats.

“They have spent a lot of money and added a lot of quality. They have strengthened really well so have kicked on again. They are right up there with Manchester City and it will be a huge challenge for us.

“We will prepare as normal and look forward to playing a world-class team with world-class players. We are at home so will try to give it a go.

“We go into every game trying to win and know it is going to be extremely difficult. We will have to be smart and put in one heck of a performance but everything is doable and we will give it our best.”