Greening ready to lock horns with England pal

Albion captain Jonathan Greening is relishing the chance to test his ability against his old England Under-21 team-mate at Anfield tomorrow, Steven Gerrard.

The two respective captains linked up during the 2000 European Under-21 Championships where Greening insists his counterpart stood out from the rest.

"I played one game with Steven before he went up to the senior team," the former Middlesbrough and Manchester United midfielder said.

"He is a world-class player.

"He is a really good footballer and it is a test for anybody.

"He only played one Under-18s game and one Under-21s game and then moved straight up to the senior fold.

"You could tell from an early age what a good player and striker of the ball he was.

"He was a phenomenal talent then - and still is.

"I just hope he has an off day!

"It's great to play against players like him.

"You don't want to be playing in the Championship.

"No offence to teams down there, but we worked so hard last year to get out of that league and play against players like Steven Gerrard - the best players in the world.

"It'll be nice to look back one day and say you've tested yourself against the best."

Featuring world-class players throughout the team and boasting one of the most impressive home records in the Premiership, the Baggies skipper insists that his team-mates must travel to the North West full of confidence with no sense of being overwhelmed.

"You can beat anybody on your day if you're confident," the skipper added.

"We've got to show what a good team we are.

"I have had one draw with Middlesbrough there but I have had a few defeats too.

"We lost both times there last time Albion were in the Premier League so I'm definitely due a win.

"It's a great place to go and play and test yourself.

"There is a great atmosphere at Anfield.

"For the boys who haven't played there before, it will be really exciting."