IN-FORM Wanderers midfielder Josh Vela is relishing another big-game FA Cup atmosphere at Liverpool on Saturday.

The Whites travel to Anfield for their televised fourth-round clash full of confidence after an impressive 2-1 win at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday made it just one defeat in their last 11 Championship matches.

And with the backing of 5,500 travelling fans on Merseyside, Vela is savouring the chance of an upset – just like the Whites did two years ago when they beat another top-flight side on the road in the shape of Sunderland.

They were knocked out the following round after a narrow 2-1 home defeat to Everton – a game which Vela was involved in – but he hopes for better luck against the Toffees' city rivals this weekend.

Vela told the club: "Having played in the FA Cup before a couple of seasons ago, I know that these types of games also have a bit of a special feel to them.

“Even though we eventually lost against Everton in the last minute, it was a harsh result given our performance on the day and I don’t think anybody would have begrudged us a win or a replay had we got one.

“Up at Sunderland, though, it was a fantastic result in the replay at their place when we won 2-0.

"I started the game and we battered them from start to finish, which was a really great feat considering they are a top-flight side and I don’t suppose many people fancied our chances.

"It is similar now. With it being a cup tie, there’s never any guarantees with form or records.

"It’s a big game for the club – that isn’t something that is lost on the players.

“We really do understand how important it is for the fans."

Vela is one of those fans' favourites after coming through the Wanderers ranks to make the grade.

A succession of injuries in recent seasons has hampered his progress, making just 12 outings before this campaign, but he feels he is now back to his best fitness-wise.

And a string of fine displays has seen boss Neil Lennon keep faith with the 21-year-old Salfordian.

Vela was back in his natural midfield role at Hillsborough but had also been starring at right-back prior to that.

He admits he does not mind where he is playing – as long as he is in the team, he is willing to do any job for Lennon.

Vela, who now has 25 Whites appearances under his belt, added: "When the manager first asked me to play right-back, I was a little bit surprised, but I feel like I’ve done well there.

“It felt really good that he has that kind of faith in me to play in a position that isn’t natural to me.

“I’d ended up playing there by chance in an under-21s game against Wolves which the manager saw a couple of weeks before the subject was brought up.

"But that was the only time I’d ever played there in my career.

"For me though, that fact that I’m playing in the first team is all I’ve ever wanted to do and with that in mind, I really don’t worry about where I’m playing as long as I’m out on that pitch.

"It was a bit of a culture shock to begin with, but I felt like it went well and I’ve just been getting more confident as the games have gone on.

"Hopefully, that has shown in the way I’ve played.

"Obviously, my natural position is in the middle of the park and that will always be my strongest place to play.

"But having this opportunity to play out of my comfort zone is something that is definitely going to be important in my development as a player.

"Even though it’s a completely different aspect of the game that I’m focusing on, it’s ultimately going to help me grow and learn more and make me a better-rounded player during the rest of my career."