"Stephane was fit to play," said Houllier. "He played 45 minutes for the reserves on Monday and was magnificent.
"I knew their right winger was very quick so that's why I wanted to play Djimi at left back.
"Ideally had we been two or 3-0 up, which we could have been I would have taken Stephane off in the second half, but when your team needs a result I thought it best to leave him on.
"His maturity and composure was good for us today."