Houllier hails Finntastic signing

While the 27-year-old's arrival has been met with a muted response by fans expecting to see the likes of Damien Duff, Djibril Cisse and Harry Kewell in the famous Red shirt of Liverpool next season, Houllier insists that the Irishman will prove to be a valuable acquisition for the Merseysiders.

Houllier said: "It is a great move for his career as he has the potential to play at a very high level. I think the Liverpool fans will like him a lot. In my opinion he will definitely improve at Anfield.

"He is an international player who has already played in the World Cup and he has a lot of quality. I do not think he will let anyone down."