Liverpool full-back Glen Johnson believes that "strong" Luis Suarez will be able to handle the expected boos and jeers from Manchester United supporters this weekend.

The fierce rivals go head to head at Old Trafford, with the Uruguayan international expected to face Patrice Evra for the first time after he was found guilty of racially abusing the United defender in October.

"Old Trafford is a tough place to go," said Johnson. "Luis is a strong character and he will try to let his football do the talking.

"He is a fantastic player, he has had a long break now and hopefully he will be fresh and ready to put in a performance next weekend.

"He is the sort of player we need in the team. He's going to have a big role to play between now and the end of the season."

It is understood that the Football Association have decided against scrapping the potential pre-match handshake between Suarez and Evra.