Houllier delighted for Dalglish leading Liverpool back to Wembley

Gerard Houllier has paid tribute to the work of Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool.

Dalglish has Liverpool on the brink of ending a six-year trophy drought.

Houllier told liverpoolfc.tv: "Liverpool have improved so much under Kenny.

"Some people questioned whether he had been out of management too long but he's clever. He had been going to all the games and has great knowledge.

"Kenny has been a friend for a long time. He welcomed me to Melwood back in 1985 when he had just taken over as player-manager and I attended the FA Cup final against Everton in 86.

"He has adapted since coming back and the club now have great stability with Ian Ayre, Damien Comolli and Kenny. Good leadership is vital.

"Getting that first trophy is hugely important. Liverpool Football Club has a culture of winning silverware."