Houllier: I knew Baros wasn't 'a donkey'

The 21-year-old striker has hit 12 goals this season in a season where he has often had to make do with a place on the substitutes bench. With Baros also shining for the Czech Republic, Liverpool fans know that they have a true superstar of the future in their team. Houllier, though, has revealed that not everyone first saw the talent in Baros that he did.

Houllier said: "It is true members of my staff thought I had signed a donkey last season. We had asked him to come early so that he could bed in and that takes months.

"Other clubs wanted Milan on loan over the summer but I spoke to his agent and explained it would be a mistake to let him go.

"No-one knew him at the start of the season, only in name. He's now scored 12 goals, not a single one has been a penalty and he's got eight or nine assists.

"He is learning and the good thing is he looks fresh. The fact he didn't take part in too many games could be an asset for us at the end."