Bobby Robson has backed returning boss Gerard Houllier to work a championship miracle at Liverpool.
Veteran Robson is convinced fit-again Houllier can give the Reds the edge in the race for the Premiership title and boost their progress in the Champions' League.
The 69-year-old Newcastle boss has overcome cancer twice while in front-line management. He knows all about that difficult return to the high-pressure touchline environment.
And from his own brushes with death when managing in Holland and Portugal, Robson knows what a boost a returning coach can give a side. For Robson went on to claim a title months after his own life-saving operation seven years ago - and he reckons Houllier could do the same.
Houllier secretly returned to work hours before Liverpool's rout of the Magpies, and delivered his first team talk for five months at the club's training ground on the morning of the game. The results were emphatic.
Robson said: "Gerard will have a big impact when he goes back into the dressing room. It could prove a big advantage.
"Phil Thompson has done a wonderful job. But Gerard is loved and respected and to have him back at the helm will be extremely important for the title race."