Reds stars given fitness boost

The key duo missed the Reds final games of the season through injury - Henchoz had a calf injury while Hamann suffered from a shin problem - but both should now be ready for next season after undergoing operations to cure their particular ailments.

Houllier said: "He (Hamann) has had the operation and I have been told everything is fine. He should be okay for pretraining. Stephane Henchoz is also recovering well from his calf operation and he will be fine for pre-season."