Liverpool great Sir Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to former Reds manager Gerard Houllier after he passed away last week.

Dalglish wrote for the Sunday Post: "From Sir Alex Ferguson to Michael Owen and Jamie Redknapp to Steven Gerrard, they have all been fulsome in their praise.

"His record as a manager is there for all to see, and he was extremely successful for Liverpool, especially in 2001 when he won a Treble, including the UEFA Cup.

"But it's the things that are not on public record that have really stood out in the past few days, and that's about his qualities as a human being.

"He was a kind and caring man. He had time for everyone, whether you were part of his squad, or a journalist on the local newspaper.

"In my own dealings with him, I found Gerard to be great company and extremely knowledgeable about football.

"I enjoyed spending time with him, and it also pleased me to see how passionate he was about Liverpool.

"He wanted the very best for the football club.

"To bring success, you need to make tough decisions, and more often than not those are unpopular calls.

"But Gerard found a way of finding a formula of not shirking anything – but retaining friendships.

"That's a tough balancing act to negotiate, but he managed it very well.

"After Liverpool he also had a successful time at Lyon and a spell at Aston Villa, before standing down due to health reasons.

"Overall, he had a fantastic career, and was also influential in UEFA, and became a mentor to many coaches and managers.

"The thoughts of everyone in the Dalglish household are with Gerard's family and loved ones at this very difficult time."