Senegalese duo will pay off for Pool, says Houiller
The Anfield boss invested a total of £15 million in bringing the pair over from French football.
Diouf cost a massive £10 million from Lens in June while Diao's signature was secured a month earlier when he was drafted in from Sedan.
Both players had a wonderful World Cup for Senegal. After defeating France on the opening day, they went on to reach the quarter-finals against the odds.
It looked as though Houllier had secured a massive coup in signing both players but as yet they have struggled to come to terms with life in England's top flight.
Houllier feels the situation is about to change and lists Middlesbrough's £8.1 million striker Massimo Maccarone as an example. "The Senegal players have taken a lot of stick, probably as much as me," added the Liverpool boos.
"But I have yet to see a player who comes into the Premiership and delivers immediately.
"Maccarone was shining at the beginning of the season and now he is struggling a bit. It is like that.
"Diouf and Diao, don't forget went to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
"Sometimes in a situation like that you don't see the best of players until the New Year.
"It will take time. Diouf is 21 while Diao is 24, so they are both young and new to England.
"I have told all my young players, 'Never mind the results.' I just want them to play together because I know they have the talent to come through.
"Diouf could make his third successive start on Wednesday in the Worthington Cup as Michael Owen is still troubled with a hamstring injury."
He is set to line up against First Division Sheffield United in the first leg of the semi-finals.
Liverpool have a taste for the cups and are still involved in the FA Cup - they defeated Manchester City on Sunday and the UEFA Cup.
The Senegal striker almost scored a spectacular goal at Maine Road when goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel's headed clearance reached him 40 yards out.
He played it straight back and the ball went over the Dane's head and narrowly wide of the post.
Diouf is set to be paired with Emile Heskey on Wednesday.
He came off the bench yesterday after recovering from an ankle injury.
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