Houllier delighted with Danny

Last updated : 02 May 2004 By Chris Maxwell
The 27-year-old midfielder, Liverpool's Player of the Year in the previous campaign, has endured a hugely frustrating season spent mostly on the fringes of the first-team.

His match-winning appearance at Old Trafford was his first start for over a month, and Gerard Houllier feels the England deserves great credit for his ability to face adversity in such a positive fashion.

Houllier said: "Danny has been doing really well. Tactically he is very astute and he's well aware of exactly what I expect of him.

"The attitude he has shown has been exemplary and typical of everyone in this squad. We have a code here, which is respect towards each other.

"I don't think it's right for players to be saying they should be in the team when they're not, it shows a lack of respect and I am pleased that we don't have players moaning about that here.

"Danny is very team-minded and I wouldn't expect anything else from him. He has matured as a personality and realises that not everyone can be in the team every week. Sometimes it is a good thing being out of the side. You suffer when you are not playing and then come back eager to impress.

"This is what Danny has done. He has now been a match-winner three times at Old Trafford and the fans will always remember him for that, that's for sure."