Smicer wins Houllier praise

The 29-year-old Czech international has delighted and frustrated supporters in equal measure during his time at the club, but Houllier feels an injury-free Smicer can finally show his true talent in the forthcoming campaign.

Houllier said:"When he's injury free he can be a tremendous player. His movement and touch are great, but he was very unlucky with injuries. Three times he went away with the Czech Republic last season and three times he came back with injuries."