Benitez: Derby Buzz 'No Distraction' For Liverpool

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Rafael Benitez - Liverpool (PA)

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Rafa Benitez has today spoken of his excitement after Sunday's FA Cup fourth round draw paired his team with local rivals Everton. It will be the first time that the two Liverpool sides have met each other in the competition since 1991.

Coming in the season that marks 20 years since the Hillsborough disaster, the tie takes on a particular local poignancy as well. But Benitez is cetain that none of the 'buzz' that surrounds the game will affect his players.

"It is a draw which will excite everyone in the city because everyone knows about the great rivalry that exists between the two clubs," the Spaniard told The Liverpool Echo.

"But we must remember that we have some big games coming up in the league before the cup tie and we will be taking one game at a time.

"Only when the cup game comes around will it become our focus and before then we play Stoke and Everton in the league so we must keep our focus on those matches.

"But it is good to have so many important matches because it shows that your team is doing well."

Meanwhile, the Reds are sweating on the fitness of Xabi Alonso, after the Basque midfielder limped out of their FA Cup victory over Preston North End at the weekend with a foot wound.

Alonso needed seven stitiches and Liverpool assistant Sammy Lee hoped that the damage would prove less severe than originally feared.

"We do not know the full extent of the injury, apart from the fact he will be very sore. Hopefully there will be no damage," said Lee earlier.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com