Houllier backs Bruno

Cheyrou was heralded as the new Zidane when he was signed from Lille but he has drawn far more comparisons with compatriot Bernard Diomede after a series of lacklustre displays. Houllier, though, has no doubts about the ability of the 24 year-old.

Houllier said: "He continues his adaptation and must increase his aggressiveness to succeed here and become more outstanding," he said.

"Like Djimi Traore, Bruno is very well integrated in the group and very well appreciated by the other players.

"According to me, he has all the assets to reach the level that separates a good player from a great player.

"He has a great individual technique, he kicks the ball well, and has an excellent touch of the ball, and the essential tactical sense.

"Like other French players before him, he probably needs a little more time. Remember the first season at Arsenal, the Englishmen laughed at Robert Pires."