Houllier delighted with French stars

The gifted teenagers have taken the Premiership by storm since their arrival from Le Championett outfit Le Havre in the summer, with Pongolle's blistering pace and trickery earning comparisons to Michael Owen's first fleet-footed steps onto the Premiership scene.

While Houllier remains understandably cautious about the immediate futures of his exciting young compatriots, he knows their undoubted talents can be shackled no longer.

Houllier told France Football magazine: "I would say the players decided for me. They have showed such a quality in the game and the group has welcomed them very well, so they make a name for themselves.

"But be careful. They have still a lot to learn and to work. They have excellent talent and it is a good sign for the future. During a recent match with the reserve team I realised Florent reached a new step.

"I told him and that is why he played against Leeds, Fulham, Manchester United and Blackburn. Little by little, he is closer to the first team."