McTominay praised by Liverpool's Robertson

Manchester United versus Liverpool is one of the fiercest rivalries in world football, fuelled by a shared desire for supremacy, yet there is still time for mutual admiration from time to time.

In the build-up to this Sunday’s Premier League meeting, Merseyside defender Andy Robertson has praised his Scotland team-mate Scott McTominay and described him as one of our key players this season.

The Liverpool defender also revealed this weekend’s big game was a regular discussion point during the recent international break. “There was a wee bit of banter with Scott McTominay during the Scotland duty, just a wee bit, not much, honest!” Robertson told Liverpool’s official website.

“I thought Scotty was fantastic for us against San Marino, to be honest. And he’s been excellent all season in a United team that has had its critics. I think he’s carried himself very well. I’ll be looking forward to facing him on Sunday. Obviously, I hope to come out on top.”

Robertson is a regular in a Liverpool team that is currently top of the Premier League table and hoping to end what will be a 30-year wait for an English league title.

The men from Merseyside are in top form heading into this weekend’s battle at Old Trafford, but the Scottish full-back has pointed out why that is almost irrelevant in this fixture.

“I don’t think it matters what your form is like in these games,” said Robertson. “It doesn’t matter that we’ve won eight on the bounce and they’re struggling. It’s Man United v Liverpool. It will be a one-off game and we’ll see who comes out on top.

“I think what makes it so special is that it’s historic,” the Scotland captain continued. “There have been such great battles down the years. And they’ve always had top teams who have always fought against each other for everything on the pitch. It’s always like that.

“And it’s genuinely a different atmosphere when you play against them. It’s a historic stadium, nice, though I prefer Anfield… The atmosphere is good, too. There is always an edge to it.

“It’s a proper game and, sometimes, it gets played like a cup tie… I have no doubt that they’ll produce a reaction after a poor performance against Newcastle. I’m absolutely sure that they will be firing and wanting to kick-start their season.

“For them, there would be no better time to do it than against us. But we have our own objectives and our own aims. That’s what we’ve got to be striving for.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Joel Matip has declared himself available for Sunday's match after missing their two matches before the international break due to injury. The centre-back returned to training at Melwood earlier this week and is set to be ready, if required by manager Klopp.

“I’m back in training and hopefully I will stay fit,” Matip told Liverpoolfc.com on Thursday. “I’m back in training and I feel good. Of course, if I’m needed, I will be there. Injuries [happen] to a player. Now I’m back, I hope I stay fit and I can focus on the positives.”