Liverpool's decision on Tuesday not to appeal Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra came with certain caveats. Liverpool, who maintained their defence of the player, accused the Football Association of "constructing a highly subjective case" against the Uruguay international which had damaged his reputation. Suarez apologised - although not specifically to Evra - for any offence his remark may have caused but the reaction from anti-racism groups has not been favourable. On top of that the Reds lost 3-0 at Manchester City in midweek, but Dalglish is now focusing on the football. "To get back on the pitch after the week we've had on and off it is the best thing we can do," said the Scot, as the club now try to draw a line under the whole affair. "It'll be a great time too for our people to show support for one another - for the players to show their gratitude towards the fans for the support they've given us recently and also vice-versa. "The FA Cup has been undermined in many ways and in many quarters, for varying reasons but we certainly won't ever undermine it. "It's a competition that's there to be won so we'll go into the Oldham game with the same attitude and desire as we went into the Carling Cup. "The Carling Cup is something people have done the same with - undermined and undervalued - but we went about our job as well as we possibly could and we've got our reward for that (with a two-legged semi-final against City starting on Wednesday)." Dalglish is certain to make several changes for the League One visitors but that does not mean he will take Paul Dickov's side lightly. "We've always said how strong the squad is and maybe it's an opportunity for us to give the people in that squad the gratitude they deserve by giving them an opportunity to start the game," added Dalglish. "But that's not to say we're undermining or being disrespectful in any way. We'll treat Oldham with complete respect. "League positions don't matter in cup competitions or in any game. On any one day, any team can beat anyone else. "If you're not prepared for it mentally and physically, you're going to make it much more difficult for yourself." Friday represents the Reds' first home cup draw Dalglish has had since taking over almost exactly 12 months ago - his first match in charge was the FA Cup third-round defeat at Manchester United. But wary of past mistakes at Anfield Dalglish is not complacent. "When we've had home draws before that we've not been too successful have we?" he told liverpoolfc.tv. "We don't want to rewrite that history. It's going to be difficult because it's a big draw for them to come to Anfield and I'm sure if they lose the game it won't be because of lack of effort. "We've got to match them for effort and make sure we come out on top." One thing Liverpool have to improve on is their form in front of goal after scoring just 24 goals in 20 Premier League matches. The now-suspended Suarez is top scorer with eight, followed by Craig Bellamy (five) and Maxi Rodriguez (four). Dalglish believes the midweek defeat at City highlighted the areas for improvement - not that it was not apparent before. "I think it was a good learning opportunity for us," said the Scot. "It only reflects the importance of being clinical - and they were clinical. "If we want to get to where everyone wants to take the club then we have to be clinical. "It was a good education for us that we need to be a little bit more streetwise. "It's a work in progress. There were a lot of players who came in at the start of the season so it's a good education for them."
