The Spanish boss says his side hold no fear ahead of the Merseyside derby against Liverpool, and will be looking to dictate proceedings in Tuesday night’s encounter

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has dismissed the notion that his side will carry an inferiority complex into the Merseyside derby and will instead be looking to take control of Tuesday’s clash with Liverpool.

The Toffees have not won at Anfield since 1999, failing to win on 14 previous visits, but Martinez is confident of drawing on positive performances at Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium to end the club’s wait for an away win against their fierce rivals.

“We’re not going to go to Anfield feeling inferior. We are not going there looking for a damage-limitation performance,” said the Spaniard.

“We have great respect for Liverpool, don’t get me wrong, but we will be going to Anfield looking to show our own qualities. Beating [Manchester] United at Old Trafford was a big result for us, but there have been other landmarks this season.

“Being able to go to Old Trafford and remove the mental block that comes from when you don’t win there for more than 20 years was huge. But, for me, facing Arsenal eye-to-eye at the Emirates and dominating possession the way we did said just as much.

“I now think we are capable of going anywhere and beating any team.”

Everton sit a point and two places below Liverpool in the Premier League table and can overtake the Reds with a win, and Martinez is confident his side can put on the “perfect” performance.

“We have got to be careful that we play the game rather than the occasion. We must go to Anfield and be as focused as we can be,” he continued.

“I want us to show that we have the bravery and the quality to go there and express ourselves. I think our players are ready to be tested in any environment against the best.

“We need to be perfect – Liverpool have been very good this season, especially at home – but the way we played in the first derby earlier this season gives me belief that we can do that.”