Brad Smith admitted that it will be "an emotional occasion" if he's selected to play for Liverpool in their FA Cup third-round replay with Exeter City tonight, having yet to walk out on the turf at Anfield.

The defender took part in the initial meeting between the two teams on January 8, scoring the goal which secured a replay for a young Reds side who had endured a scrappy battle with their League Two opponents.

He repaid Jürgen Klopp's faith in him as he leapt upon a loose ball to fire home late into the second-half to set up another 90 minutes against Exeter in order to fight for a place in the fourth-round.

With Klopp once again set to use the game as an opportunity for the youngsters to gain vital experience and playing time, Smith is eager to get the nod and believes they can get the win to set up a tie with West Ham United.

21-year-old Smith has once again found himself on the fringes of the starting eleven, having made four appearances this season to add to his debut back in December 2013 - and he's now set his sights on playing in front of the home fans for a first time.

Defender wants to play at Anfield for the first time, having worked hard to impress in training

The left-back told Liverpoolfc.com that it will be "a very emotional day" for him and his family if he's given the start and explained that he's been "working hard at training" and is looking forward to seeing "what happens on the day.

Paul Tisdale's outfit arrive off the back of poor form, with just one win in their last seven, but Smith is aware they will need no invitation to take the game to Liverpool - saying that they will "obviously be up for the occasion" and "have got to be again, especially at Anfield", adding that they're "a good side and played well" in the first game.

But he's aware of what he, should he be selected, and the team have to do - explaining that they must "go out there, similar team or different team, and do what we can." He said that if they "play the football that the manager wants" them to play then they will "end up getting the win."

First Exeter meeting was "emotional" for a lot of the team, explains Smith 

Smith even acknowledged that he's had plenty of praise since netting his first goal on what was a difficult pitch in Devon, but said he's focused on working hard and improving so he can continue representing the club.

The Australian joked that he's watched his goal "a few times" back since and said that whilst he's "happy" to get his goal, he was "more happy to get the replay for the team."

He revealed that his phone was "going off" with texts and phone calls from friends and family congratulating him, adding that it was "an honour" to score and "good to get the next game."

On the players he played alongside, he explained that they've all "come through the Academy" and have played together "for a few years" so it was "an emotional day for a lot of the lads, with a few making their debuts."

He also said that kind of attitude, a willingness to trust the younger players, is "what you want from your manager" and lauded Klopp for doing so because "you don't see many managers doing what he did" and it was "great to put trust" in all of the Reds' second-string, who Smith explained are all "enjoying it" at the moment.