Day or night, you won't miss a story with the Liverpool Echo newsletter Sign me up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

An open top bus parade will snake through Liverpool on Thursday evening - if the Reds win the Europa League on Wednesday.

Plans are already in place for a potential victory parade ahead of Liverpool’s showdown against Seville in Basel in two days time.

Liverpool council said they were not being presumptuous about mapping out a LFC bus parade because the major logistics meant plans had to be put in place for a potential winning party.

If Jordan Henderson lifts the trophy on Wednesday night, Jurgen Klopp’s men will fly back to Merseyside in time for a open top bus celebration which would start at 5pm on Thursday.

It would begin on West Derby Road, at the junction of Green Lane, and will head towards the city centre.

The route travels along Islington, Churchill Way, Dale Street, Water Street, and then head onto the Strand, alongside Liverpool’s waterfront.

The parade ends at the junction of Wapping and Chaloner Street, next to Parliament Street.

Tens of thousands are expected to turn out for any Liverpool celebration, with numbers potentially even topping the 100,000 mark.

A massive 750,000 lined the streets in 2005 after Liverpool’s miracle penalty shoot out win against AC Milan in Istanbul.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “We know many people are superstitious and don’t want to think about a victory parade until the title is in the bag, but unfortunately that isn’t an option for those involved in organising an event of this scale.

“Whether we have a parade depends on the results on Wednesday, but due to the number of roads being closed and the impact this has on businesses and residents, it makes sense that we are as prepared as we can be. We need the information to be made public in order to cause as little disruption as possible.”

Police have warned that traffic congestion around Liverpool city centre on Thursday afternoon and evening is inevitable if Klopp’s men win the Europa League.

Chief Superintendent Jon Ward said: “Should the parade take place we would expect a large number of people to gather along the route and we will be supporting Liverpool City Council, who are the organisers of the event.

(Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC)

“There will be large number of police officers on the streets throughout the area, who will be providing a reassuring presence and making sure that fans can enjoy the parade in safety.

“An extensive road closure programme will be put in place and some disruption to traffic is unfortunately inevitable, but a route has been planned to give thousands of residents the chance to celebrate Liverpool’s success.

“I would ask people to make themselves aware of which roads are affected so they are fully prepared and make use of public transport wherever possible, though appreciating there may be some changes to services.”

Travel advice and information will be available from www.merseytravel.gov.uk or Traveline on 0151 236 7676.