Houllier hails hat-trick hero

Last updated : 22 October 2002 By Footymad
"Michael deserves special credit for his hat-trick, to do that away from home in Europe is a special achievement," said Houllier after the game.

"I remember that a couple of months ago Michael was getting all sorts of stick for not scoring goals. Now he's done it for us and England.

"I rested him because that game for England in Bratislava was on a very heavy pitch and took a lot out of him.

"But when I bring him back I know he is the one to score the important goals on big occasions.

"Now we have a run of home games and we can push ahead on all fronts."