Speaking ahead of the trip to Anfield, Newcastle United head coach John Carver has said the he wants to see character and energy in his players against Liverpool.

After the poor 1-0 defeat against bitter rivals Sunderland last weekend, Carver is eyeing a much-improved and sharper showing when they meet the Reds on Merseyside.

Carver said: "I won't just pick a side solely on ability, it will be about characters, too.

"Going to Anfield you are going to need characters. I want to see some energy. I didn't see energy last weekend. We talked about out-working Sunderland, and they out-worked us again. We can't let that happen against Liverpool.

"It doesn't need me to tell the players they're playing for their futures and for their families. This group of players usually responds after a disappointment so let's see how they do."