Houllier 'excited' by UEFA clash

Gerard Houllier is relishing a return to France when Liverpool tackle Auxerre in the fourth round of the UEFA Cup.

Houllier will be pitting his wits against good friend Guy Roux with a potential quarter-final meeting with Celtic awaiting the winners.

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: “I‘ve spoken to Gerard and he‘s excited by the draw against Auxerre.

“They‘re a good team, a young team, and it‘s not an easy one although we do know a lot about them.

“Gerard always enjoys going back to France for a game so that adds a little bit of excitement.

“It‘s also easy to get to geographically. I didn‘t fancy a trip to the wilds of Turkey.”

A Battle of Britain quarter-final is in prospect if Liverpool beat Auxerre and Celtic see off Stuttgart.

The two sides met in the UEFA Cup first round in 1997 when they fought out a 2-2 first leg draw at Parkhead – memorable for a stunning last-gasp equaliser by Steve McManaman – and then drew 0-0 in the Anfield return, Liverpool going through on away goals.

“We played them (Celtic) five years ago in the UEFA Cup when Steve McManaman scored that excellent goal,” said Parry.

“There would be some atmosphere in the those two games but let‘s concentrate on winning the Auxerre ties before thinking about that.”