GREGORY SETTLED AT ANFIELD

The defender, with the French Under-20 side in Toulon, is thoroughly enjoying life with the Cup treble winners.

"I was aware of taking a risk by leaving so young for a foreign country," the 19-year-old admitted. "But it is so enriching.

"I am playing for one of the greatest clubs in the world, which has a soul and a history.

"When you wear this red shirt, it is really moving.

"I don't know if one day I will play in France.

"I absolutely don't regret my choice."

As for his decision to leave Montpellier, rather than develop his game in his homeland, Vignal highlighted the main reason behind his departure.

"Jean-Louis Gasset trusted the young players," he added. "If he told me to stay, I would have stayed."

Michel Mezy took over as coach when the team dropped into the Second Division and he agreed to sell Vignal to Gerard Houllier, after failing to hand sufficient first team opportunities to the younger members of the staff.