Houllier hails Stevie wonder

The 23-year-old England international, who was twice thwarted by Everton shot-stopper Nigel Martyn in the breathtaking draw, led by example yet again despite suffering illness ahead of the crucial fixture.

"It's true that Stevie had the flu, but you know what he is like. I don't think there was any way he was going to let that stop him play in that game," enthused Houllier.

"I think it puts his performance into even greater perspective. To be fair, he wasn't the only one who had been suffering before the game - but none of the players wanted to miss such an important match."