Singapore defensive ace Daniel Bennett has issued a rallying cry to the Lions ahead of Sunday's high profile clash with Liverpool.

By Ian Griffiths

The ASEAN nation heads into the game at the island republic's National Stadium with many observers giving them little or no chance against their illustrious Premier League opponents.

Despite having the odds well and truly stacked against them, Bennett is nevertheless adamant that Radojko Avramovic's talented charges have more than a decent chance of causing a monumental upset.

"Of course we want to do well against Liverpool," admitted the amiable Singapore Armed Forces defender.

"There is no doubt that this is going to be a big test for us and it is going to be difficult, but we have to see what we can do.

"Having said that, Liverpool's players are only human, and we are going to be competitive on Sunday. If we are. I definitely think we can get a result by working hard together as a team," he added.

Bennett's hopes of achieving a favourable result were boosted after Liverpool struggled to a 1-1 draw with Thailand during the weak, a result that gave the Singapore favourite several pointers.

"Physically the Thais were a lot weaker than Liverpool and that showed in different departments.

"However I think they played well as a team and they kept the ball well and I think that is going to be just as important for us against Liverpool.

"If we can let the ball do the work then possibly Liverpool will tire in the heat and that will definitely be to our advantage."

For Bennett, who made his official international debut for Singapore after obtaining citizenship in 2002, the Liverpool match represents another major landmark in a career that has seen him play at the highest level on both the domestic and international stages.

With a capacity crowd expected at the National Stadium and the prospect of pitting his wits against Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, it is little wonder that Bennett, who made his first appearance for a Singapore side against Liverpool way back in 2001, is relishing the Kallang showdown.

"Eight years ago against Liverpool was my first game for a Singapore side, so it is exciting and I am looking forward to be playing against the best players in the world," declared the former Wrexham and Woodlands Wellington centre back.

"A full house at the National Stadium will also be something special.

"I remember eight years ago when we arrived at the stadium it was full already and I couldn't believe it.

"They will probably all be wearing Liverpool shirts but hopefully as the game goes the crowd will get behind us."