Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish says Rafa Benitez deserves a hero's welcome at Anfield today.

Rafa will return with his Newcastle United.

Dalglish, now a non-executive director at the club, paid tribute to Benitez and explained he deserves respect not just for the achievements on the pitch, but the legacy off it.

“Rafa will be welcomed back with open arms and rightly so," Dalglish said.

"The Liverpool supporters have a reputation for paying tribute to anyone who has made a positive contribution to the club and I've no doubt it will be no different on this occasion."