Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier says the club should persist with Naby Keita.

Houllier is familiar with Keita having watched him in action for French club FC Istres early on in his career, and speaking to the Liverpool Echo he backed the player to make his mark soon.

"Keita was playing for a 'championship' team in France," Houllier said. "They were struggling but he was playing everyone off the park.

"Like when I saw Steven Gerrard; he was practically everywhere and his maturity was impressive, even under pressure. I recommended Salzburg buy him and they followed me.

"He has a good attitude. Once he fits in the [ Liverpool ] team, he will stay there."