Houllier hails Heskey's knock-out blow

The burly forward is facing a possible three-match international ban for his role in the infamous tunnel fracas between English and Turkish players last Saturday, but a finely taken second goal in the 3-0 win over Olimpija Ljubljana proved that Heskey is still ready to fight for the Anfield cause.

"It has been a tiring time for him, and a lot has been said,"admitted Houllier in regard to the 25-year-old former Leicester man.

"But he could have had a hat-trick out there and played very well. I told him at half-time after he had missed a few that Michael Owen misses chances but keeps getting into the right positions.

"He has a tough job to do against a packed defence and his contribution was all I could have asked for."