Former Red praises Houllier

Lawrenson, who is now a pundit for the BBC, has often criticised the sterile tactics employed by the Anfield supremo in recent years but he admits that he has been greatly impressed by the adventerous play of his former club in recent weeks.

Lawrenson said: "Liverpool have the strength in depth to overcome these injuries, even though they have come at such a bad time.

"It seems as though manager Gerard Houllier has accepted what is needed from a team to win the Premiership and he has stuck with his bold attacking line-up for the last three games and been rewarded with six points and six goals from two very tough away games.

"His team selection is a statement of intent and will have been picked up on by the players. I am sure Michael Owen is delighted. He has probably had more chances in the last two games than throughout the entire spell of Liverpool's winless run last year.

"Houllier has shown to the players they intend to have a real go for the title this year - and they have responded well. Everybody wants to see the club do well from the players, staff and supporters to the former players."

Any truth to these rumours?