Houllier keeps cool as he watches Liverpool

But it is unlikely the sight of Houllier in the dug-out would have had quite the same galavanising effect if it had been a league match against Sunderland as opposed to the game which would decide Liverpool's European destiny.

Houllier's smiling presence, walking out at Anfield for the first time since he left in an ambulance during a home game against Leeds United, was the final push for Liverpool to deliver a clear hint they could yet pull off an amazing double this season.

Manchester United and Arsenal have been touted as battling it out for the Premiership and have long been regarded as England's best bet in the Champions League.

But what are the odds on Liverpool emerging from the pair's slipstream to take the honours at home and abroad?

Liverpool are gathering momentum in the title race and have qualified for the last eight of the Champions League and the knock-out format that suits their style to perfection.

One thing is certain - they stand a much greater chance now the talismanic figure of Houllier has made his official return.

Thompson promised Houllier he would have Liverpool in contention for the title and Champions League on the day he was fit to return - and he has been as good as his word.

But even Thompson would happily accept there is only one manager at Liverpool, one man the players respect above all others.

Houllier's mere presence on the touchline will inspire, but it is his ability to think tactically on his feet during a game, an ability to sense swings in the balance of matches, that will serve Liverpool best now he is back.

He met his Liverpool players recently and told them that they had the ability to win every match they played between now and the end of the season.

Thompson kept his promise to Houllier

Houllier's belief will have been strengthened by the verve and passion of the performance against AS Roma.

And the playing format he has put in place means Liverpool will be a team to be feared in the later stages of the Champions League.

Houllier constructed the spine of his revamped Liverpool team around the central defensive partnership of Sami Hyypia and Stephane Henchoz - allied to the defensive midfield screen of Dietmar Hamman.

He also has the searing pace of Michael Owen, the strength of Emile Heskey and the guile of Jari Litmanen at his disposal in attack.

It is the perfect formula for European success, as proved in last year's Uefa Cup triumph, and not even Real Madrid will find it easy to overcome.

Houllier's return will also provide a turbo-charge for the rest of Liverpool's season.

He has forged a special relationship with his players and they have total belief in each other.

Houllier's encyclopaedic knowledge of almost every player left in the Champions League will also be invaluable.

He truly believes Liverpool can win both the title and the Champions League.

Liverpool's players believe that, with Houllier back, they can win both trophies.

The Houllier factor may yet prove the crucial element in their quest.