Bogdan: I'm ready to try to seize my chance

The goalkeeper has started the Reds’ two previous fixtures in the tournament so far this season, against Carlisle United and Bournemouth at Anfield.

Bogdan is unsure whether he’ll be provided with an opportunity to extend that run at St Mary’s tomorrow night, but if he is he’ll be determined to make the most of it.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: “The team hasn’t been announced yet, so we don’t know who is going to play but obviously I would like to play and carry on the way I have before. We’ll find out.

“For me so far this season, the Capital One Cup has been my only opportunity to play for Liverpool so for that reason, for me it’s vital to progress into the next round to get another chance if the manager decides to give me another game.

“The last two games were really good – a great experience and fantastic memories – so I hope it continues.”

Those pair of Capital One Cup appearances are Bogdan’s only two competitive games for Liverpool so far following his summer switch from Bolton Wanderers.

Nevertheless, the Hungarian stopper knows how important it is to try to impress when called upon.

“Everyone would like to play,” said Bogdan. “I am the same and would like to play week in, week out – but what I can do is to train well and by doing so, get an opportunity and then try to take it by playing well, and then let the manager decide. I have to keep training hard and trying to improve.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe I could do that and that’s why I am putting a lot of effort into training, in the gym and everywhere.

“The main thing is when you have an opportunity, you have to take it – you need to be concentrated and need to play well. Most of the players are in the same shoes as everyone wants to play and represent Liverpool – and I am the same.”

Wednesday evening’s fixture with Southampton comes at the quarter-final stage of the competition.

But while Bogdan acknowledges the Capital One Cup provides a genuine chance of silverware this season, he’s eager to stress that no-one within the camp is allowing thoughts to drift beyond the clash on the south coast.

Asked if he’d given any consideration to the prospect of reaching Wembley this term, Bogdan replied: “No, not yet. Obviously that’s our aim. It’s a competition you can progress pretty quickly in and get to Wembley, but we’re still three steps away.

“The game on Wednesday is a massive step given the fact Southampton will play at home and are a good side, but so are we. We’re looking forward to the game and will hopefully progress to the next round.

“They are a good team with fast players up front. They put a lot of crosses in – Tadic puts a lot of crosses in – so we need to be aware of their quality and be tight to them. But they are beatable.

“On Tuesday we’ll have a meeting and look at their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll then have a plan and hopefully we can execute it.”

After making their returns from injuries as second-half substitutes during Liverpool’s last outing against Swansea City on Sunday, Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge will be aiming to continue their journeys towards full fitness with more action against the Saints.

Bogdan admits their presence has supplied a timely boost to the squad.

“It lifts up the level of competition in the team, which is already high but it’s another boost,” he stated.

“They are good characters, fantastic players and they have their own strengths. For us, it’s really good.

“They can give a massive boost to the supporters, the team and the competition in the team. We need numbers because of the number of games we’ll play in December and January.”