Gerard Houllier has been impressed with the form of midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker whose days at Aston Villa had looked numbered after a falling-out with former manager Martin O'Neill.
Reo-Coker has been reinstated in his preferred central midfield role and was one of Villa's best players in last weekend's 2-1 win over Wolves at Molineux.
The 26-year-old is out of contract next summer and, although Houllier believes it is too early to talk about a new deal, he has been happy with his contribution.
Houllier said: "I didn't know Nigel was at the end of the contract (next summer).
"But I've been here two weeks, he has played two games. He is in the team.
"It is too early to say whether he will sign a new contract or not but he brings something specific to the team which we needed.
"I know he had problems with the previous manager but sometimes that happens."
