Traore relishes the prospect of marking wonderboy Rooney

DJIMI TRAORE is relishing the prospect of going head to head with Everton striker Wayne Rooney tomorrow.

With both Sami Hyypia and Stephane Henchoz absent, Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is almost certain to pair Traore with Igor Biscan in the heart of his defence.

And Traore is confident he can be an able deputy in the biggest Merseyside showdown in years with both clubs chasing a place in Europe.

“I have no doubts at all that myself and Igor can do the job for the team,” Traore told the club’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv. “I have been happy with my performances over recent weeks and I’m looking forward to the challenge which lies ahead for us on Saturday.

“I have played alongside Igor many times for the reserves and so we do have an understanding of each other’s game.

“Igor is a good player. He has come on a lot this season and has done well whenever he’s been given a chance in the first team.”

Rooney has caused the biggest stir in English football for years and, with his first international start against Turkey appearing to justify the hype, there are the greatest expectations for the 17-year-old. However, Traore is quick to point out that Liverpool also have an England striker in their ranks. “People talk about Rooney and what impact he might have on the game, but don’t forget at the other end of the pitch we have Michael Owen and many other players who can score goals,” he added.

“It’s going to be an exciting game and we’ll have to play well to win, because Everton are a good side. But we’re going there full of confidence that we can get the three points.”

Liverpool will probably need to win their remaining five matches, if they are to secure a top four finish this season and a Champions League place.

However, Traore insists the players are not feeling the pressure.

“I think knowing we have to win our games motivates us,” he said. “We know what we have to do. The team spirit is good and there’s a great atmosphere around the place at the moment. We know it is going to be difficult to win all five games but we can do it.

“This weekend is a big one for us. If we can beat Everton and then take three points against Charlton on Monday it will set us up nicely for the finish.”