Larsson's Sweet Revenge

Henrik Larsson was part of the Celtic squad who lost to Liverpool on the away goals rule back in 1997, and the Swedish internationalist has revealed his delight at settling an old score at Anfield.

Goals from John Hartson and Alan Thompson took Celtic into the semi-final of the UEFA Cup, and Larsson was overjoyed at bouncing back from Sunday・s Old Firm defeat with an emphatic win against Gerard Houllier・s side.

"We never had any doubts," smiled Larsson. "I remember the last time we were down here and we went out against Liverpool, so it is brilliant to come here again and leave with a place in the next round of the competition.

"This is the best possible way for us to bounce back from Sunday・s result, and everyone is absolutely delighted.

"It was a tremendous result for us, we played very, very well and I think we were the best team. It was a bit nervous at 1-0 because then you know that there is just one goal in it but we were magnificent.

"There is always a little bit of nerves before games like this, but when you get out on the pitch they disappear."

Meanwhile, the striker told how there was little talk about who would take the free-kick that led to Celtic・s opener when Alan Thompson sent the ball through the wall and into the bottom left-hand corner.

"It・s his side and there was no argument whatsoever," he said. "I stepped over it to get a bit of movement and maybe send the keeper in my direction, but it was a great free-kick."

After knocking out the favourites to win the tournament, Celtic・s odds of lifting the UEFA Cup will have shortened dramatically, although Larsson would like the chance to avoid Porto in the semi-final.

"There are still some excellent teams left in the tournament. We played against Porto last season in the Champions League and beat them at home but lost away, and it would be nice to avoid them in the semi-final," he said.

"You want to go as far as you can in all the Cups that you are involved in, but we want to enjoy this result just now because we played against a very good team here at Anfield.

"Obviously we are very proud but there is a long way to go and we・ll stick to taking it a game at a time."

Celtic will go from Anfield to Inverness as they bid to put their name in the hat for a place in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. Larsson has no qualms about the trip and has pointed out that fitness wise he is getting ever closer to his maximum.

"That・s the reality of being a professional football player and it doesn・t matter who or where you are playing, you have to be ready," he explained.

"Right now I feel tremendous. I ran for 90 minutes on Sunday and then played the full game here so I feel great and I・m looking forward to Sunday."