Ngog: We must be careful

David Ngog today warned his teammates that Lille will be no Europa League pushovers - insisting French club football is very much on the rise.

The France U21 international expects a stern test when Liverpool step out at the Stadium Lille-Metropole on Thursday night.

"They are a really good team," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "They've done well over the last two years and it's going to be a tough game.

"I think French football is improving. We've seen Bordeaux and Lyon doing well in the Champions League, and now teams in the Europa League too. We have to be careful in this game.

"It will be a good atmosphere because it's a big game for them. They don't play Liverpool every day, so they'll be on top of us. They will give 100 per cent to get a victory."

Meanwhile, Ngog insists he is delighted to see Fernando Torres fit again - even though it means he will get fewer minutes.

"For me it's a good thing that Fernando is back in the team," the 20-year-old said. "He's a really good player. For me, I just have to be patient and when I get my chance I have to be there and give 100 per cent.

"I am a professional and I know what I have to do. I'll just keep working - that's it."