LIVERPOOL FC manager Kenny Dalglish has vowed never to ‘undermine’ the FA Cup as he prepares to shuffle his pack for tonight’s third round tie at home to League One Oldham Athletic.

The Scot is expected to make several changes from the Liverpool FC side that played against Manchester City on Tuesday as he prepares for the Carling Cup semi-final return to the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday.

Chief beneficiaries are set to include veteran defender Jamie Carragher who is poised for his first start at Anfield since October 22 with the former England international in line to partner young Uruguayan prospect Sebastian Coates in the home defence.

Captain Steven Gerrard could also play some part in the game as he looks to build up his match fitness ahead of the City showdown following his return from injury.

After another week of off-the-field turmoil with the Luis Suarez case, Dalglish is looking to once more concentrate on footballing matters as he prepares to host compatriot Paul Dickov’s side.

He said: “I’d like to get back on the pitch after the week we’ve had on and off it is the best thing we can do.

“It’ll be a great time too for our people to show support for one another – for the players to show their gratitude towards the fans for the support they’ve given us recently and also vice-versa.

“The FA Cup has been undermined in many ways and in many quarters, for varying reasons but we certainly won’t ever undermine it. It’s a competition that’s there to be won so we’ll go into the Oldham game with the same attitude and desire as we went into the Carling Cup.

“The Carling Cup is something people have done the same with – undermined and undervalued – but we went about our job as well as we possibly could and we’ve got our reward for that (with a two-legged semi-final against City starting on Wednesday).”