IT IS unclear whether José Manuel Reina had Duncan Ferguson in mind yesterday when he accused some Barclays Premiership strikers of behaving “like boxers” on the pitch, but with the Everton forward expected to make his return in the Merseyside derby tomorrow after a seven-match ban for violent conduct, there was no mistaking the irony of the Liverpool goalkeeper’s comments.

Ferguson has never needed an invitation to throw his weight around — certainly not when local bragging rights are at stake — but Reina’s claims are certain to rechannel the 34-year-old Scot’s competitive instincts, even if he is likely to feature, at best, only as a substitute at Anfield.

Everton are a vastly improved team from the one Ferguson left when he was sent off for punching Paul Scharner, the Wigan Athletic midfield player, during a league match at the JJB Stadium on January 31, but the striker will hope to play a part in what promises to be his last Merseyside derby before he announces his retirement, as is expected, at the end of the season.

Having been banned for three matches after the Scharner incident, Ferguson was given an additional four-game suspension and fined £5,000 for shoving Pascal Chimbonda, the Wigan full back, in the face in the same match, but while the striker will have to be on his best behaviour against Liverpool, Reina could be in for one or two more surprises.

“It’s too physical,” the Spain goalkeeper said of the Premiership. “Sometimes, the penalty area is like a boxing ring. I’m not joking, some of the strikers are built like boxers and play like them but without the gloves.”

Some foreign players have been accused of not appreciating the extent of the rivalry between the two sides — who meet for the 203rd time at Anfield tomorrow — but that is not a charge that can be levelled at Mikel Arteta, who, having been sent off along with Phil Neville for Everton in the reverse fixture in December, denied suggestions that he could soon join Xabi Alonso, his close friend, across Stanley Park. “No way,” he said. “I’m really honest in saying I’m not going there. Definitely not.”

Liverpool will start as favourites, having scored 15 times in their past three matches, but while victory is imperative for Rafael Benítez’s team if they are to keep pace with Manchester United in the race for second place, it is equally important for Everton, who have a Uefa Cup place in their sights.