O'Leary: Looks to the future and a return to Europe (AlexLivesey/Allsport)

But whatever the outcome, the Leeds manager will sit alongside his Liverpool counterpart at Wednesday's final between Bayern Munich and Valencia in Milan. They have also agreed that whoever hits the European jackpot buys dinner.

Leeds can only squeeze into third place by beating Leicester today and hoping that triple cup winners Liverpool fail to win against Charlton at The Valley.

O'Leary, who left some of Europe's biggest names in his wake this season, said: 'It's out of our control what happens. I phoned Gerard to wish him good luck against Alaves in the UEFA Cup Final - and to tell him I hope they get stuffed at Charlton.'

The Leeds boss's humour has improved since Valencia wrecked his side's Champions League dream in the semi-final, second leg last week.

He found the thought of watching Bayern's semi with Real Madrid 24 hours later too much and turned down ITV's offer to join their team in Spain. 'I'd have been too jealous,' he said.

But he exorcised the hurt last Friday by jetting out to see Inter lose the Milan derby 6-0.

He said: 'That was when it really hit home what we were missing - the pitch had been relaid, it was a beautiful evening and the whole place was absolutely magnificent. I thought to myself "It could have been us playing hereî. You realise just what you've missed out on.'

Looking ahead to his dinner date with Houllier, the Irishman said: 'I was late back to the hotel on Friday and had to make do with a snack, so I know where we can get a good cheese sandwich. Gerard probably won't settle for that though.'

Some might think their respective teams are chalk and cheese, but O'Leary ignores the light flak that has flown Liverpool's way to salute Houllier's achievement in landing three major trophies.

Leeds celebrated a League double over Liverpool - their Anfield win was Houllier's last defeat 10 games ago - and O'Leary said: 'On our day we can beat anybody in England. We're two different teams - they soak it up and counter-attack, we're more free-flowing. We both get the job done in our own way.

'I'm delighted for Gerard. Liverpool have the momentum and a great squad that he has used brilliantly. He will admit that he's had a bit of luck but there's nothing wrong with that. All the great managers have needed that.'

While Leicester manager Peter Taylor goes into the game at Elland Road boosted by the knowledge that he is to be handed a £10million summer transfer kitty, O'Leary said: 'All we can do is try to win.

'If good news filters through I'm sure there will be a party atmosphere but Liverpool are favourites. When you've just won a cup, you don't feel tired at all - believe me.'

Should Leeds fail to qualify and be consigned to a return to the UEFA Cup next season, O'Leary will look back ruefully at the two points that slipped away in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Elland Road in March.

Controversially, Fabien Barthez was only booked for kicking Ian Harte and then saved his penalty. Just before the final whistle, Wes Brown sliced Lee Bowyer's cross into his own net but a linesman judged Mark Viduka offside.

O'Leary insisted TV pictures proved that goal should have stood, and yesterday said: 'Ever since that day I've been hoping those two points don't come back to haunt us.

'It was a game we should have won. If we had those two points, we would be a point ahead of Liverpool and the onus would have been on us. That linesman's decision could cost us an awful lot of money.'

Leicester's Matt Jones has warned his former club not to expect any favours. The £3million Wales midfielder, who is included in Taylor's squad, said: 'I have been waiting for this game since I moved. I looked at the fixture list and this match stood out. It should be an exciting game but if we win I will keep my head down.'