Liverpool fullback Paul Konchesky fears today's clash with Manchester United could be wrecked by over-zealous refereeing.

Konchesky goes into his first encounter with the rarefied atmosphere of today's Manchester ­United-Liverpool clash ­hoping the referee is up to the task.

The full-back, who signed from ­Fulham last month, pleaded: "It's a big derby and tackles will be flying about, so we need a ref who isn't going to be silly and send off players right, left and centre."