Suarez will pass Old Trafford test, says Johnson

SILLY TACKLE: Tottenham Hotspur midfi elder Scott Parker (ground) reacts after a foul by Liverpool’s Suarez

LONDON: Manchester United have been warned to watch out for Luis Suarez at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Emotions are running high ahead of the Liverpool clash, which will see the Uruguayan face Patrice Evra for the first time since their fateful October meeting.

After Evra’s every touch was booed at Anfield last week when his side were knocked out of the FA Cup, Suarez can expect the hottest of receptions at Old Trafford.

But Suarez’s team-mate Glen Johnson said there is no one better able to handle the pressure.

Johnson insisted: “It’s a tough place to go but Luis is a strong character and I’m sure he will let his football do the talking.

“It was great to have him back. Luis has had a long break so hopefully he’s refreshed and ready to put in lots of good performances.

“He’s going to have a big role to play between now and the end of the season. He’s the sort of player we need in the team.”

Suarez certainly knows how to court controversy.

Not only was he banned for eight matches after being found guilty of abusing Evra, he was banned for a further game for giving the finger to Fulham fans.

And on his return to action following suspension on Monday, he was immediately in hot water when he kicked Spurs midfielder Scott Parker in the stomach, earning a yellow card.

Reds boss Dalglish also turned the heat up on his striker with his controversial post-match claim that Suarez “should never have been out in the fi rst place”.

Liverpool have refused to comment further on their manager’s comments, but behind the scenes the club is doing everything possible in conjuction with United officials and police to calm the explosive atmosphere surrounding the match.

The visitors’ ticket allocation for the game has been cut, and there will be appeals from the Anfield hierarchy for calm ahead of the game, with their players and fans having their responsibilities pointed out — just as they were before the cup tie.

Suarez looks certain to play on Saturday, with Dalglish recognising it is a showdown that will have a big influence on his side’s pursuit of a top four finish.