Diao - looking forward to Premiership (Allsport)

By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Osaka

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Salif Diao is confident he and fellow Senegal star El Hadji Diouf will be able to cope with the pressures of the Premier League - after first winning the World Cup for the people of Africa.

Liverpool have agreed a £5m fee with Sedan for the midfielder, while African Footballer of the Year Diouf has cost the Reds a further £10m from Lens.

Diao, though, may not be pulling on a Liverpool shirt come the opening match of the season at Aston Villa as Sedan have asked to retain the services of the 25-year-old up until Christmas.

But boss Gerard Houllier can recall Diao at any time, even this summer if worries continue regarding the fitness of Steven Gerrard and Danny Murphy, both of whom were forced to withdraw from the England World Cup squad through injury.

Despite the rigours of the Premiership, with no mid-season break and with matches often played in awful conditions, Diao is eagerly anticipating his arrival at Anfield.

"A lot of Senegalese players would like to play in England. It is a dream for them, but now my dream is about to come true," said Diao.

"The Premier League is great, while Liverpool have a number of fantastic players, although I still don't know when I will be joining them.

"All I know is I will definitely be playing for Liverpool at some stage next season.

"The most important thing for me in joining Liverpool is that they are a family team, and in Africa, family is very important. We take care of one another.

"For me, it's important Diouf will be at Liverpool too next season. That will hep us settle in a lot quicker, and hopefully we will be able to make an impression a lot quicker too.

"I think we can bring this little bit extra that is the difference between African and European players.

"We both realise the Premier League season is a long, hard one. But that is why they have squads of 30 players. If you are tired then someone else will take your place. You just have to fight that little bit harder."

Senegal are likely to have to adopt the same philosophy tomorrow against Turkey in their quarter-final showdown at Osaka's Nagai Stadium.

The Lions of Teranga, who have been a sensation at this tournament, stand on the brink of history as a victory will see them become the first African team to play in the semi final.

When Cameroon became the first - and only other - team to reach the quarter-finals 12 years ago at Italia 90, many believed it would only be a matter of time before an African team won the World Cup.

Diao reckons that time is now, as he said: "We have talked and asked ourselves 'Is it now or not if we want to go into World Cup history?'

"If we don't do it now then we will probably look back in two or three years' time and think 'Oh my God'. We don't want to look back and have any regrets."

Captain Aliou Cisse is coach Bruno Metsu's major doubt as he has been carrying a heavy strapping on his left calf this week, while fellow defenders Ferdinand Coly (knee), Pape Malick Diop (shin) and Omar Daf (ankle), should all be fit.