Thompson backs Diouf for derby

The controversial Diouf is sure to be a target of the Goodison Park crowd but Thompson feels that the player fully understands the passion that is always evident when the two Merseyside giants collide.

Thompson, speaking in the Liverpool Echo, said: "El-Hadji has nearly been with us for a full season now and he does appreciate what the derby means to the fans.

"If this match was earlier in the season players like El-Hadji and Joseph Yobo may not have known exactly what the derby is all about. But Saturday won't take them by surprise."