Houllier closes book on Souness row

GERARD HOULLIER yesterday closed the book on his week-long dispute with Blackburn boss Graeme Souness.

The Liverpool chief was angry after last weekend's clash against Blackburn which left Milan Baros and Jamie Carragher with broken limbs and Rovers' chief Souness calling for an apology.

Anfield boss Houllier tried to end the saga on the eve of Leicester's visit to Merseyside, and talked about the quality of Liverpool's display at Ewood Park and the misery suffered by the two stricken players.

Houllier said: "I have said all I want to say on the subject, but it is a shame that a fine team performance has been overshadowed.

"We have ended up with two major injuries and the best way we can help their recovery is for the rest of the squad to make sure we are still in contention when the two lads return to the side.

"Neither will play until the new year. Jamie has been very down. He is the worst person to have his football taken away because he loves it so much. But he is a strong character," he said.

Houllier added: "Milan too is a good guy, a good player and a good person and will be back playing a lot quicker than Jamie."

But once again Houllier refused to be drawn further into a row with Souness after a week that has seen both men locked in a rumpus over the unsavoury incidents at Ewood Park, where Liverpool stretched their unbeaten run to four games.

Houllier said: "I have drawn a line, I have no intention of saying anything else. I am now only focused on our matches."

The absence of Carragher and Baros will mean John Arne Riise and Emile Heskey will regain their first-team spots against a Leicester side Houllier respects for their endeavour and spirit, shown particularly in Monday's 4-0 trouncing of Leeds.

Houllier, who is also without long-term injury victims Dietmar Hamann, Chris Kirkland and Stephane Henchoz, said: "Carragher's absence will give Riise a chance."

Houllier also singled out Heskey for praise, after the forward's reported €144,000 donation last season to Leicester his former club when they were in financial difficulties.

Houllier said: "Emile is one of life's good guys, too. He came to me and told me what he wanted to do with his gift to Leicester, and that just sums him up."

With Henchoz still working to recover from a calf problem, Igor Biscan will continue as centre back partner with Sami Hyypia.

Meanwhile, Leicester defender Ricardo Scimeca is added to manager Micky Adams' squad after serving a suspension. Adams is again without banned Alan Rogers, as well as Matt Elliott, Les Ferdinand and Callum Davidson through injury.

Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie remains doubtful with an ankle problem sustained on international duty recently.