GARY Megson hopes the negativity that has recently affected his side’s away trips does not lend an advantage to Liverpool by resurfacing at the Reebok.

The Wanderers boss has come under fire from his own club’s supporters while on his travels at White Hart Lane and the KC Stadium, but the unwanted phenomenon is yet to seriously affect home games.

Megson warned earlier this week that abuse he has received had started to affect his players – so he has called on fans to play their part today.

“It isn’t so much of a problem at home but it helps the players if the atmosphere is cordial, and it certainly did when we played against Arsenal,” he explained. “The backing we got in the second half of that game was incredible and we played some really good stuff.”

Megson believes Liverpool and other visiting sides at the Reebok could play on the pessimism if the club’s fans start to get a reputation.

“One of the things you do as a football club, if you know there is unrest, is to try and work on it.

“For example, we talked before the Tottenham game about the fact that, if we could keep them quiet for 15-20 minutes, then the crowd would cause problems to the home team.

“Then lo and behold, they went and changed their manager on the Friday night.

“There are clubs, though, that you know if you can keep it tight, the crowd will make it harder for the home team.”