Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez admits he remains a big fan of Benfica star Pablo Aimar.

The tie will see Benitez come up against Argentina playmaker Pablo Aimar - a player who excelled during his tenure at Valencia.

"I think Aimar is a very good lad and player," he told liverpoolfc.tv. "He is a nice boy and I will be really pleased to see him scoring goals in the Portuguese championship.

"Sometimes it is better not to say anything (about key opposition players). If you say a certain one, it can be true and he is the most dangerous player.

"Hopefully their 'keeper can be good because it will mean we are attacking a lot."