Liverpool ace Xherdan Shaqiri is up for their Champions League clash with former club Bayern Munich.

Shaqiri, who has found his game-time for the Reds limited in recent months, was an unused substitute during the first leg stalemate at Anfield.

“It's two top sides going against each other," Shaqiri said.

“For me it is the best game in this competition and it's going to be very intense.

“I love to play in the Champions League. After a long time it has been really nice to be back playing in it. It is at another level, a top level.

“Obviously Liverpool did very well in the Champions League last year but didn't win it. Now we have a big chance to go very far again. But to go through we must beat a top side."

Shaqiri, who enjoyed a trophy-laden two-and-a-half year stint with Bayern before falling out of favour under Pep Guardiola, has happy memories of his time in Bavaria.

“I've not been back there. It was difficult with Stoke and I was there for three years," he added.

“Even with Inter Milan, we only played in the Europa League so this will be the first time.

“Bayern Munich is a massive club and one of the best in the world. A lot of people are going to come to watch and I am very happy to be going back there after a long time, to play in the Allianz Arena.

“It's an amazing stadium to play in. Obviously, it's going to be a very good game and I wanted this – I wanted to play against Bayern Munich."