SOCCER/Sheffield Utd v Liverpool On TV: Sky Sports 2 (8.0): The diehard Blade in the gaffer's garb may have stopped short of his inflammatory best but, if Neil Warnock's words ring true, Liverpool will leave Bramall Lane disappointed whether in victory or defeat this evening.

"The board won't make me sell any of our youngsters because of what we've earned in the cup," said the Sheffield United manager. "That's a fact, so the job's as good as been done."

Confirmation of a brighter financial future now that their coffers have been swelled by the £2 million generated from their blistering cup run to compensate for the money lost in the ITV Digital fiasco will be welcomed by their supporters as much as tonight's first appearance in the last four of the League Cup.

But for suitors such as Gerard Houllier of the sprightly young players that have propelled United this far, there will be only disappointment. Michael Tonge, a barnstorming midfield talent in whom the Liverpool manager has declared a long-standing interest, and the defender Phil Jagielka, will continue their development with United.

Warnock's side have already eliminated Leeds and Sunderland and are unbeaten in 12 matches stretching back to November 2nd; Liverpool have not won a league game in that time.

"But they haven't struggled in the cups," stressed Warnock, whose 16-year, seven-club managerial career has embraced eight promotions but precious few cup highlights. "They won well at Manchester City at the weekend and I just hope we can give them a better game than they (City) did," he added.

"It'll be a test but I know we can give them problems. I think we've got at least four players who could play in the Liverpool team, and if anything you get a bit more time on the ball against Premiership clubs."

Warnock remains realistic about his side's chances over two legs against Liverpool, particularly given the likelihood of Michael Owen's return from a hamstring strain.

"We might be a bit of a surprise for them in the first leg but not the second," he added. "But for the moment I'm excited not just for me but for the new breed of young fans.

"We've got to sustain this success for another 10 years and get another generation coming down here. Sheffield Wednesday have always had that extra support but the lure of the cup provided a special atmosphere."

Liverpool's defeat of Manchester City in the FA Cup, thanks to a Danny Murphy penalty, has brought a wave of renewed confidence to Anfield.

"The victory against City was extremely important from a psychological point of view for the players, the fans and the whole club," Houllier said. "United have done well at home, so there is no way we will we underestimate them. We have done our homework."

Guardian Service