Gerard Houllier's relationship with striker Emile Heskey is paying early dividends for Aston Villa.
The French tactician was in charge of the veteran during their time at Liverpool and his faith in the ex-England international has already paid off in the last two games for Villa.
In the midweek Carling Cup clash against Blackburn, Heskey's introduction in the second half changed the match whilst his first league start in six months against Wolves on Sunday yielded him an 88th minute winner.
Houllier said he had told Heskey to simply believe in himself and admitted it had so far been very positive for both club and player.
"After the Carling Cup game, I said 'well done, this is what you are capable of, and there is no reason why you can't repeat that'," he said.
"All players need confidence. Strikers need more confidence. Everyone loves Emile at the club, he is a good team-mate.
"What he needs is to keep believing in himself.
"I don't know whether he believes in me but I believe in him. That is more important.
"Because he plays up front and sometimes misses sitters, people get on his back and maybe that has hurt him in the past.
"But Emile fights for the ball in the air, tries to keep it and links up with the midfield.
"His work-rate was phenomenal and his understanding and movement with Ashley Young is good."
