Cisse delighted with International Goalscoring Exploits

Djibril is in fine form at present. He has scored 8 goals in 7 competitive games this season. He was very pleased after his strikes for France put them in a good position to qualify for next year's World Cup:

"This is certainly my best evening in blue. "I am satisfied with our performance; we had a lot of opportunities especially at the start of the match. We scored fast which boosted our confidence. For me, we are getting better and better and we are improving."

He is also eagerly anticipating facing Steve Finnan on Wednesday provided he can shake off his ankle injury.

"This match was certainly a good preparation ahead of Ireland. I can't wait to be there. The atmosphere will be like in English stadiums. It will be noisy and great but I am expecting a very tough fight. "It will be strange playing against Steve (Finnan) but it should be a good battle. We have been winding each other up about this game for a long time now and I hope I'll be the one smiling when we return to Melwood on Thursday."

Let's hope they're both smiling at five on Saturday afternoon.