HESKEY'S BURNING AMBITION
The £11 million star says that he has become a better player under the guidance of Houllier, and that his ambition is now to join the likes of Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish on the list of Liverpool legends.
"I'm a Liverpool fan and I idolised those players," said Heskey. "The incentive for me is to go on and become one of the club's best ever players.
"It is only natural to want to emulate the feats of great players from the past, especially when it's your club - the one you have always supported.
"I would love to go on and make such an impression for Liverpool that I am in the same way. That is my big ambition."
Many had questioned Houllier for splashing out the huge sum of money for the Leicester City striker who many said did not have the ability to score regularly in the Premier League.
The 23-year-old, however, has blasted his critics by firing in 22 goals this season as Liverpool march into three cup finals and close in on a Champions League place.
"I suppose the fact that the goals were flowing did silence a few people. What does mean a lot to me is that I've proved I can score goals on the big stage.
"Even though I was never prolific at Leicester, I always knew I had it in me and the gaffer obviously felt that, otherwise he wouldn't have signed me."
Houllier has operated his much-publicised rotation system this season, but Heskey has played 46 of the 61 games this season, and says that he has played a major part in Liverpool's success because of Houllier.
"Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realise we really are in three cup finals and so close to a place in the Champions League.
"It has gone better than I hoped since joining Liverpool and a lot of that is down to the boss.
"He has spent a lot of time on me personally and is always taking me to one side to discuss ideas and point things out, there is no doubt I have benefited from that.
"He talks a lot of sense and knows what he wants from players. There have been times when maybe I have not believed in myself enough but when you have someone who commands as much respect as our manager telling you that you can do this and that, you can't help but believe it."
Meanwhile, Arbroath youngster Kevin Heenan will play in Liverpool's reserves against Middlesbrough on Monday night.
The 19-year-old feared that he would not be able to play due to League regulations but has now been told that he can play if he re-signs for Arbroath after the game.
