John Arne Riise is braced for an emotional occasion when he makes his first return to Anfield since leaving Liverpool with Fulham tonight.

The Norway defender made 348 appearances and scored 31 goals during a seven-year spell with the Reds between 2001 and 2008 before joining AS Roma.

Riise re-joined the Barclays Premier League last summer when he moved to Fulham - and the Cottagers' trip to Merseyside tonight will be the first time he's been back at Anfield.

"It was one of the first games I was looking for because I always wanted to come back (to Anfield)," he said.

"Now, I'm going to be playing against them and it's emotional.

"I'm feeling a little bit - not nervous - but it's tickling a little more than usual, so I'm looking forward to it."

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