Alexis Mac Allister's dad reveals family WhatsApp group 'exploded' over Europa League draw

Alexis Mac Allister's dad has revealed the family WhatsApp group 'exploded' when the Europa League draw brought his two sons together.

Liverpool's number 10 Alexis will face his older brother Kevin when the Reds face Union Saint-Gilloise at Anfield on Thursday.

Kevin, a 25-year-old defender, joined the Belgian side from Argentinos Juniors this summer and, due to the fate of the draw, is now set to come up against his brother in a competitive senior fixture for the first time.

READ MORE: Union S-G players react to drawing Liverpool in the Europa League group stage

Prior to the match, the Mac Allister brothers' dad, Carlos, spoke to Het Nieuwsblad (via SportWitness) about the occasion.

Mac Allister Sr, himself a former footballer, admitted the family WhatsApp group “exploded” after the group stage draw brought Alexis and Kevin together, while he added: “We are all very happy that we can see Kevin and Alexis together on the field again, even if it is now as rivals.”

Carlos also revealed he will not be dishing out any advice to his sons before kick off, but admitted it will be an emotional – possibly tear-jerking – affair.

He said: “I will also be there in Liverpool on Thursday, together with my current partner. I am looking forward to it, because I know Anfield, I have already been there. Will I advise my sons? No, that is the job of their trainers. I don’t want to interfere too much. I especially hope that they enjoy playing against each other.

“Will I shed a tear when they walk onto the field together? I hope not, but that is quite possible.”

Asked to predict the game, the Mac Allister dad remained diplomatic.

He said: “What I expect? Liverpool have many world stars, but Union play very good football. Nothing is impossible.”

READ MORE: Who are Union S-G? Opposition preview and analysis

Whether Alexis gets to start the game for the Reds is up for debate. The World Cup winner only came on as a substitute in Liverpool's Group E opening win over LASK, with Jurgen Klopp opting to shuffle the pack in Europe.

Kevin, meanwhile, has featured in every game for Union Saint-Gilloise so far this season, with the Belgian side top of the Pro League on 19 points after nine games.

Liverpool's Thursday opponents drew their first Europa League group game 1-1 against Toulouse.