Michael Svensson returns to the scene of his Saints debut tonight - but is hoping for a better result this time round.

The Swedish centre half was called into action against Liverpool at Anfield in August when Claus Lundekvam hobbled off injured.

It was only Southampton's second game of the season and was much earlier than Svensson was expecting to get a run in the team.

He still came on to play his part but couldn't prevent his new side from slipping to a 3-0 defeat.

Looking ahead to tonight's Worthington Cup third round clash at Anfield, he said: "I've not got happy memories of Anfield really. It was my debut but we lost 3-0.

"This time we are hoping to have a better game and I think we will.

"we learned from that match that you need to be ready, to be focused on the 90 minutes.

"we played quite well when we were at Anfield last time but conceded a goal too early - but they are a good side."

It's quite a week for Saints who face the league leaders in their own backyard tonight having bravely tackled Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday, where they lost 2-1 to a late Diego Forlan strike.

But Swedish international Svensson, a £2m summer signing from French club Troyes, insists that these are the sort of games he joined the club for.

And, just because it's only the Worthington Cup and Liverpool are likely to field a reserve team, they will still take it seriously.

"Playing Manchester United and Liverpool in a few days is lovely," he joked. " Well, it's a challenge.

"It's inspirational to play those games, even if it's a cup tie. You approach the game the same as a league game.

"Liverpool have several great strikers - Owen is in quite good shape now so it's a challenge for me whoever plays. Whatever team they play will be good."

Centre-halves Svensson and Lundekvam have won plenty of plaudits for their performances this season, particularly after Saturday when they kept Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy on a tight leash.

Speaking of the partnership, Svensson added: "It's coming on quite well and looking solid. Unfortunately we couldn't hold on against Manchester United for a point, but what can you do about a goal like that?"