Houllier making plans for Nigel

Former England Under-21 captain Reo-Coker is out of contract at the end of the season, but he has created a favourable impression with Houllier who restored him to the side after replacing Martin O'Neill as manager in September.

Houllier said: "I think Nigel's performances from the beginning of the season compared with now have been different.

"He is more calm and more composed and does things simple. He is a ball winner and gets forward when he can. I like his discipline, I like his commitment and his aggression.

"I said to him and to his agent that we will have an assessment from the end of February to the beginning of March.

"But I know also there are clubs after him because he is a free agent."

Source: PA

Source: PA