Houllier sets Heskey target

The 25-year-old England forward notched a paltry nine goals in a miserable last campaign for both club and player and the Frenchman believes that his £11m striker should be aiming to score at least fifteen goals for the Reds this season if he is to remain an integral part of his plans.

Houllier said: "He can achieve a lot more. Sometimes you have to take his psychological shackles off him. Emile is quick, strong, he can hold the ball and turn people. When he has confidence Emile can achieve a lot more.

"Sometimes he doesn't score but still gets involved. If he scores 15 goals and is involved in 15 then I'm happy. Emile didn't score as many as he should have done last season.

"He needs to come out of his shell and I expect a big season this year. Top-class players score regularly and he has to do that."