Diao has struggled with a poor disciplinary record

Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao has said he hopes to repay Gerard Houllier for sticking by him despite Liverpool's poor run of form.

Saturday's draw with Aston Villa means the Anfield club have gone 11 Premiership games without a win, and Diao has taken much criticism from fans for his role in the run which is close to their worst ever.

From topping the table in early November, the club have dropped to seventh.

But the Senegal star said that he was keen to begin being part of a winning side again - in order to thank Houllier for keeping him in the side.

"The boss has supported us all the way and has shown a tremendous amount of trust," Diao said.

"He believes in us and he told us that again after the Aston Villa game."

"He said we must continue to stick together. That togetherness is one of the biggest qualities in our squad."

The draw with Aston Villa was indicative of Liverpool's problems at the moment - after going ahead the team seemed infected with nerves and could easily have lost.

Bright side

And much criticism after the game was directed at both Diao and compatriot El Hadji Diouf, suggesting neither had shown the required commitment.

But while Diao conceded the players were downcast, he insisted they would re-emerge stronger.

"Of course we're all down at the moment. Things aren't going our way and we feel very frustrated, but there is a real togetherness in the squad and we are mentally very strong.

"This bad spell could prove to be a blessing in disguise when we look back on it in the future.

"We are still a young team and this bad patch will only make us more hungry for success.

"We've got a free week now to work hard on the training pitch.

"We are all desperate to get back to winning ways - hopefully starting next weekend at Southampton."