Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish insists Joe Cole is in his long-term plans.
Cole has admitted his move from Chelsea has not gone to plan.
Dalglish said: "Joe knows it takes time to adjust after being out injured. It's not a tap you can turn on and off. Even hot water takes a while to come through so it's not fair to judge him right now. He is enthusiastic, talented, and we will try our best to get that out of him."
Regardless of how fit Cole is - the 53 minutes he played in last week's 0-0 draw in Prague was his first taste of life under Dalglish following a knee problem - the onus will be on him to produce a good display.
"Joe is positive," Dalglish added. "He's a good wee guy. Steve Clarke coming in (as assistant manager) has helped him. Steve has worked with him before (at Chelsea). Joe's a talented footballer and we've got to make sure he is right and ready."
