He said with a smile: "I hope they've been partying for three nights after they've lifted that trophy, and I hope there's a few of them worse for wear!

"Knowing their professionalism, I don't think they will be. The way they went about their jobs the other night against Chelsea, they're a great, great side.

"It's always great when the top, top clubs come. That's what we've got to aspire to. They're a great, great team at the minute."

Bruce was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's all-conquering Manchester United side and has been hugely impressed by Liverpool's domination this season, which sees them head into the final game 18 points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

He said: "It's quite incredible. When you look at their team and the squad of players they've put together, they're young, so they could be around for a long, long time.

"To slaughter the league like they have, you can only just applaud them. They'd practically won the league before lockdown. It's a quite remarkable achievement, congratulations to them all.

"Jurgen and the energy he gives is quite incredible. I don't really know him, but he gets so close to his players and there's a huge bond between them which probably back 10 years ago it wouldn't have been possible to manage that way.

"But certainly you take your hat off to him. He's been a breath of fresh air since he's come to the Premier League. He's box office, isn't he? He's as good as you get.

"In a different way to most, he's been hugely successful. He's been terrific."