McManaman keen to see old team mates in UEFA Cup final

Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman has asked permission from his present club Real Madrid to go and see his old team mates face Alaves in the UEFA Cup final in Dortmund on May 16.

"I wouldn't like to miss the final because Liverpool will always be my team," the England midfielder was quoted as saying in Spanish sports daily Marca on Friday.

"Of course I don't know if I will be able to make it because I may have to train with Real on that day, but it will be a very important day for Liverpool."

McManaman said his old team mates had asked for inside information on Spanish side Alaves, who have surprised many by reaching the final in their debut season in Europe.

"Robbie Fowler asked me about Alaves and I told them they (Liverpool) will need to watch out because they can surprise any team," the Real Madrid player said.

Modest Basque side Alaves have taken this season's tournament by storm, eliminating more experienced sides such as Inter Milan, Girondins Bordeaux and Kaiserslautern en route to the final.

Despite their long list of continental honours Liverpool have not won a European trophy since 1984, when they beat AS Roma on penalties to take their fourth European Cup title in eight seasons