Poor league form has seen the pressure grow on McCarthy, but he is hoping for some respite in the form of a good Cup run.
"It's another draw - it's not a sexy one I'm afraid," he said.
"I was thinking to myself earlier on what would be a good draw... you could get someone like Manchester United at home, have a rip-roaring tie, and if you don't win then no one expects you to and you've made a lot of money.
"We've got a great chance now. We've beat Cardiff once at their place this season and I'd sooner be going there than to Liverpool. We have more chance of progressing than if we had been drawn to travel to Anfield."