If the Exeter City squad need any inspiration ahead of their FA Cup third round tie with Liverpool, then they need not look any further than their veteran striker Clinton Morrison.
Former Crystal Palace, Birmingham City and Republic of Ireland forward Morrison, 36, has found the back of the net four times against the Reds during his career; and it would be a headline writer's dream if he could manage it for the fifth time for the Grecians on Friday night.
The first of Morrison's four goals came in a Carling Cup semi-final first leg - at Selhurst Park - against the Reds for Crystal Palace, which the Eagles won 2-1. Latvian international Andreijs Rubins had given Palace the lead before Morrison doubled their advantage, whilst Czech midfielder Vladimir Smicer replied for Liverpool. In the second leg at Anfield, the Reds triumphed 5-0 with Smicer, Danny Murphy (twice), Igor Biscan and Robbie Fowler finding the back of the net.
In the 2002-03 season, the paths of Morrison and Liverpool crossed again, this time for his new club Birmingham City. In their first Premiership meeting of the season on September 11th 2002, Morrison bagged a brace for the Blues as they drew 2-2 with the Reds at Anfield.
When the two sides met again at St Andrews on February 23rd 2003, Morrison scored what turned out to be the decisive goal to give Birmingham a 2-1 victory. Stephen Clemence, the son of former Liverpool goalkeeper Ray Clemence, had given the Blues the lead before Morrison struck. The Reds did manage to pull a goal back for the Reds, but couldn't find an equaliser.
Now, in the twilight years of his career, Morrison has one chance to face the Reds and it would be a fairytale ending to a fine career if he could find the target against them one last time.
Footnote: Both of the goals that Clinton Morrison has scored for the Grecians this season - against Didcot Town and Stevenage - have come in matches that have been televised.
