Rickie Lambert has his sights set on a starting berth for Liverpool’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
The Merseyside-born forward has endured a difficult return to his boyhood club since his £4m summer move from Southampton, with opportunities having been limited.
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Mario Balotelli’s arrival has hindered Lambert’s chances, but when called upon the 32-year-old has appeared out of his depth in the Reds’ pacey attack.
But with his Italian team-mate having struggled against QPR over the weekend and Daniel Sturridge having been ruled out for another few weeks through injury, there has been talk of Lambert getting the nod against Real in Wednesday’s crunch European clash.
And the veteran forward says it would be a big honour to take part:
“It would be unbelievable to be involved,” Lambert told the Liverpool Echo.
“I can’t wait for it. It’s going to be a special night and it’s a game I’m really looking forward to.
“The club has waited years for games like this. This is reward for what the team achieved last season with the performances they put in.
“We understand that we’re up against one of the best teams in the world but we’re excited. We’re a match for anyone, especially at home. When we’re on it we can beat anyone.
“That is exactly what we’ll be thinking going into Wednesday’s game and we’ll be trying to take three points off them.”
Goalless Lambert also went on to say that the pressure of being at Anfield may be preventing him from scoring the goals demanded of him:
“It’s the whole Liverpool thing, the lad from Liverpool, who has supported Liverpool all his life, signing for Liverpool.
“I probably took too much of that on my shoulders and thought too much about it.
“I’m not going to hide away from it. I think at times I probably have been trying too hard.”
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