Newcastle United striker Alan Smith is returning to Liverpool for the first time since his horror broken-leg injury suffered at Anfield in February 2006.

The former Manchester United attacker told the Evening Chronicle: "It was two years ago since I did it, and it's my first time back to Liverpool.

"I've been playing all over this season, and the main concern for me was how my leg would react, but I've not felt it, or pulled out of a challenge because of it. It's never worried me.

"I had exactly the same injury as Eduardo. I spoke to him to let him know I'm feeling for his career, and hoping that he gets on the road to recovery and gets back playing."

There is no love lost between Manchester United and Liverpool and there were some criticism at the way some of the red half of Merseyside reacted when Smith was being stretchered off.

But the Yorkshireman added: "All the medical staff helped me, and everyone was brilliant."