HOULLIER HAPPY WITH PRE SEASON FORM

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has revealed his satisfaction with the early steps taken in pre-season, as the Reds bid to mount a serious challenge for the Premiership title in the upcoming campaign.

Speaking from Thailand, where Liverpool will take on the Thai national team tomorrow, Houllier believes that the early sharpness and fitness, arises from specific work on the training ground.

"I think our passing and movement looks a lot better," said Houllier. "This, and the pace of our game, is what we have been working on in training.

"I think we have shown some good play in our first two games and I'm happy with how we're progressing," said an upbeat Houllier.