By Paul Walker, PA Sport
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will warn his shadow squad that they must be ready to step into the Champions League.
Benitez will send out another second-string side at relegation-threatened Birmingham on Saturday as he prepares for next Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg at Chelsea.
The Spaniard has proved in the past that he has no qualms about fielding youngsters and squad players ahead of big European nights.
And whatever the managers of Birmingham's relegation rivals say on the issue, Benitez will not be moved.
But he also sees a genuine need for the players who will perform at St Andrews to prove to him they can be used in the Champions League if needed.
Benitez said: "I have told the players that it is important for everyone to play well, show quality and be ready, you never know when you will be needed.
"So whoever plays against Birmingham, or the weekend after against Manchester City, they have to play well. They may even have a chance to play in the final."
Already John Arne Riise, scorer of the own-goal that has given Chelsea a priceless 1-1 draw from the first leg, finds himself thrust into possible action at Stamford Bridge.
Riise was in the 'weakened' side that won 2-0 at Fulham last week - another team selection that drew howls of protest beforehand.
But with Fabio Aurelio out for three weeks with a torn abductor muscle, Riise now finds himself a contender for the left-back role at Stamford Bridge.
And famously, Benitez recalls how Vladimir Smicer, who knew his contract was not going to be renewed, came off the bench in Istanbul in 2005 to score one of Liverpool's crucial comeback goals in the final against AC Milan.
Benitez said: "Fabio Aurelio will be out for three weeks, so Riise knows he has to be ready and give everything for us, he knows he will get his opportunities now."
The Reds boss revealed that he has been badgered by senior men who want to play at St Andrews.
Goalkeeper Jose Reina is desperate to maintain his record of playing in every league game this season, while Fernando Torres wants to play to get his scoring boots back on after unusually missing three great chances against Chelsea in midweek.
Captain Steven Gerrard has also expressed a wish to play. But Benitez says: "Everybody wants to play every game, I was talking with two or three big names and they said 'I want to play, I want to play' but I will have to analyse each one and then decide.
"The most important thing is the team and the club, so I cannot say 'yes' to everyone. It will mean I am taking risks, and I do not want to take risks.
"But the players want to play as much as possible, it shows the character and the mentality of the team."
He added: "We showed at Fulham that we have a squad strong enough to win games like this. We will try, more or less, to do the same this time.
"We will use different players and try to win because we want to make sure of fourth position.
"We have not had too many good experiences at Birmingham in the league, they are a difficult side to play against.
"We will again use our full squad, but also pick a side to win at Birmingham. We did the same thing at Fulham, and won. People can complain but everyone really needs to think about his own team.
"We still need a point to be fourth. I cannot see Everton winning all three of their final games, but we need to make sure for ourselves as quickly as possible.
"Birmingham need to win and the game will be tough and physical. They will be playing under pressure because there are so many teams around the relegation zone. You win one game and jump a few places, lose one and fall back again. It is very tough for them."
Benitez will also have one eye ahead of the Birmingham game on Chelsea's lunchtime clash with Manchester United that could decide the title race.
Such a game could drain Chelsea, but Benitez says: "I am not sure that we have an advantage with Chelsea playing Manchester United on Saturday.
"We both will have four days to prepare for the second leg, and with us playing at Birmingham both clubs will face a physical, competitive match.
"Chelsea's game will be intense, yes, but then I expect it to be the same at St Andrews because Birmingham are fighting to avoid relegation. In the end I do not see either of us having an advantage."
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will warn his shadow squad that they must be ready to step into the Champions League.
Benitez will send out another second-string side at relegation-threatened Birmingham on Saturday as he prepares for next Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg at Chelsea.
The Spaniard has proved in the past that he has no qualms about fielding youngsters and squad players ahead of big European nights.
And whatever the managers of Birmingham's relegation rivals say on the issue, Benitez will not be moved.
But he also sees a genuine need for the players who will perform at St Andrews to prove to him they can be used in the Champions League if needed.
Benitez said: "I have told the players that it is important for everyone to play well, show quality and be ready, you never know when you will be needed.
"So whoever plays against Birmingham, or the weekend after against Manchester City, they have to play well. They may even have a chance to play in the final."
Already John Arne Riise, scorer of the own-goal that has given Chelsea a priceless 1-1 draw from the first leg, finds himself thrust into possible action at Stamford Bridge.
Riise was in the 'weakened' side that won 2-0 at Fulham last week - another team selection that drew howls of protest beforehand.
But with Fabio Aurelio out for three weeks with a torn abductor muscle, Riise now finds himself a contender for the left-back role at Stamford Bridge.
And famously, Benitez recalls how Vladimir Smicer, who knew his contract was not going to be renewed, came off the bench in Istanbul in 2005 to score one of Liverpool's crucial comeback goals in the final against AC Milan.
Benitez said: "Fabio Aurelio will be out for three weeks, so Riise knows he has to be ready and give everything for us, he knows he will get his opportunities now."
The Reds boss revealed that he has been badgered by senior men who want to play at St Andrews.
Goalkeeper Jose Reina is desperate to maintain his record of playing in every league game this season, while Fernando Torres wants to play to get his scoring boots back on after unusually missing three great chances against Chelsea in midweek.
Captain Steven Gerrard has also expressed a wish to play. But Benitez says: "Everybody wants to play every game, I was talking with two or three big names and they said 'I want to play, I want to play' but I will have to analyse each one and then decide.
"The most important thing is the team and the club, so I cannot say 'yes' to everyone. It will mean I am taking risks, and I do not want to take risks.
"But the players want to play as much as possible, it shows the character and the mentality of the team."
He added: "We showed at Fulham that we have a squad strong enough to win games like this. We will try, more or less, to do the same this time.
"We will use different players and try to win because we want to make sure of fourth position.
"We have not had too many good experiences at Birmingham in the league, they are a difficult side to play against.
"We will again use our full squad, but also pick a side to win at Birmingham. We did the same thing at Fulham, and won. People can complain but everyone really needs to think about his own team.
"We still need a point to be fourth. I cannot see Everton winning all three of their final games, but we need to make sure for ourselves as quickly as possible.
"Birmingham need to win and the game will be tough and physical. They will be playing under pressure because there are so many teams around the relegation zone. You win one game and jump a few places, lose one and fall back again. It is very tough for them."
Benitez will also have one eye ahead of the Birmingham game on Chelsea's lunchtime clash with Manchester United that could decide the title race.
Such a game could drain Chelsea, but Benitez says: "I am not sure that we have an advantage with Chelsea playing Manchester United on Saturday.
"We both will have four days to prepare for the second leg, and with us playing at Birmingham both clubs will face a physical, competitive match.
"Chelsea's game will be intense, yes, but then I expect it to be the same at St Andrews because Birmingham are fighting to avoid relegation. In the end I do not see either of us having an advantage."
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