Houllier praises 'outstanding' Heskey

With his back to goal, and all threat to the Birmingham defence seemingly passed, the burly forward unleashed a magnificent over-the-shoulder volley to send a jubilant Kop into raptures.

Gerard Houllier shared the enthusiasm of the Liverpool supporters as he watched on and basked in the glory of a player, who he has placed such faith in through many barren spells for the former Leicester man, finally demonstrating the tremendous talent that saw him move to the Reds for a club record £11m fee.

Houllier said: "Emile's effort was outstanding. He does that sort of thing every week in training, and I am pleased for him because he gets so much stick all the time."