Brentford have built a reputation for being awkward, organised and brave against bigger opponents, and that is exactly what this occasion demands. Going to Anfield needing a result is a brutal ask, but it is also the kind of challenge that can define a season.
There is no room for caution now.
Hickey’s quote reflects that reality: belief first, calculators second.
The emotional thread is hard to miss. Hickey also said, “Vai ser legal. Ele foi enorme para a Escócia. É sempre bom ter um jogador assim no grupo,” in reference to Andy Robertson, who is reportedly approaching a significant moment in his Liverpool story.
That adds a human edge to the contest. Hickey may admire Robertson as Scotland captain and mentor, but admiration stops at kick-off. If anything, facing a familiar figure can sharpen the competitive instinct. The respect is obvious; so is the desire to spoil the occasion.
There is another layer here too: Hickey appears to be enjoying the feeling of simply being back. After an injury-hit spell, he said, “Estou feliz em jogar em qualquer lugar: lateral esquerdo, lateral direito, meio-campo. Desde que esteja em campo, está tudo bem.”
That flexibility could matter for both Brentford and Scotland in the weeks ahead.
For now, though, everything points to Anfield. If Brentford can pull off the result Hickey wants, the final day may become one of the club’s most memorable afternoons - and if not, attention will quickly turn to Scotland’s World Cup build-up and the next chapter for both full-backs.