Patrice Evra has been backed by former Manchester United player Viv Anderson to play against Liverpool this Saturday, who feels that any abuse from the Anfield crowd will not affect the veteran defender.

Evra was the subject of racist abuse from Reds' striker Luis Suarez the last time the Premier League giants met, and rumours dictated that the France international would not feature on Merseyside in the FA Cup clash.

However, with Evra looking increasingly likely to play against Kenny Dalglish's men, Anderson feels that the left-back will take the occasion in his stride.

''Patrice should definitely play, 100 per cent," England's first black international told The Telegraph.

''There will be a backlash, but he did nothing wrong, so why should he not play?

''He is experienced enough and old enough to deal with it. It won't be the first time he's been verbally attacked. If you cannot deal with it then you are never going to make a career for yourself.

''Patrice is at Manchester United playing in the Premier League and is a French international.

''He has proved he is able to stand up to all the outside pressures that have been heaped on him as he's built his career.

''It is not right you have to put up with racial abuse, but I am sure it has happened to him in the past. I don't think playing at Anfield after what has gone on will bother him.

''There will always be something else around the corner, and if you keep worrying about something then you will fold and disappear," he finished.

By Gareth McKnight

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