DIFFICULT

"We realise we have a difficult job on Tuesday because Lyon are a very good team," he said.

"They got to the quarter-finals last year and we have to make sure we are at our very best. We have produced some of our best form at home in Europe this season and we hope to be able to do that on Tuesday. Our main goal on Tuesday is to secure qualification for the latter stages of the European Cup.”

"It's obvious that with Ferdinand and Rooney in the squad we are in better shape than we were last time because they are such fantastic players," he said.

"Since he returned to the side, Rio's performances in particular have been sensational. Wayne is still a young man with a big future in front of him. In addition to that, I think the win over Newcastle turned the corner in terms of performances, so overall I think we will be better than we were in Lyon."