He said: I really wish he wasn't playing against us, as he is one of the best strikers in the business.
"Like Liverpool, he has had a bit of a lean time lately. But he will come good and I can't see Gerard Houllier's side finishing anywhere outside the top four this season.
"There was a bit of a war of words going on after the first leg, but Michael was a real credit. He shook all our lads' hands at the end and gave us the praise we deserved for beating them.
"Mind you, I wouldn't bet on us doing that again at Anfield. They've a team that cost £100 million while mine was assembled for £600,000. So I think Liverpool know they should win.
"For anything else to happen we must play well above the standard we have all season and they are going to have to play well below theirs."