Houllier backs Emile

"He will play and he will start," said Houllier. "I thought it was unfair. His teammates know the work that he puts in.

"He does a fantastic job for the team. Sometimes he works so hard he works against himself but he's a team player.

"He is involved in a lot of goals for us, whether its thefinal assist or the pass before.

"I like him. I'm pleased with his contribution to the game. I would admit that he had a difficult period after the World Cup but since January he's done very well."