Houllier gives hope to Babbel

The 30-year-old defender made his debut for Graham Souness's Ewood Park outfit during an impressive 2-2 draw at Chelsea but Gerard Houllier has not yet ruled out a return to favour for Babbel in the future.

Houllier said: "It was my decision for Markus to join Blackburn for a year. He needs to play games now so the move is good for him.

"The door is not completely closed for him here."