Johnson: Suarez is a strong character

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Luis Suarez's strength of character will get him through the trial which awaits him at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Uruguay international returned from his eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra as a substitute in last night's goalless draw at home to Tottenham. He certainly made his presence felt in a 24-minute cameo, getting booked for accidentally kicking Scott Parker in the stomach and missing a late headed chance to win the game. However, the appreciative response from the Anfield crowd on his first appearance since Boxing Day will be replaced by a hostile atmosphere at the home of their arch-rivals at the weekend. The traditionally fiery encounter between England's two most successful clubs will come under even more scrutiny as Suarez comes face to face with Evra on the pitch for the first time since their clash in October. But Johnson is confident that after being sidelined for six weeks the 25-year-old striker will be keen to focus on playing football again. "It is a tough place to go Old Trafford. Luis is a strong character and he will try to let his football do the talking," said the England international. "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 at the weekend. He is the sort of player we need in the team." Team-mate Martin Kelly, who against Spurs made his first Barclays Premier League start since the now-infamous United game at Anfield on 15 October, sees Suarez having a key part to play in the remainder of the season. "The crowd gave us a lift when they saw Luis coming on and it's fantastic to have him back," said the 21-year-old. "He'll be a big help for us over the next few weeks when we've got big games coming up and he'll be there ready for the (Carling Cup) final."