Houllier backs Barmby

Gerard Houllier (right) hopes Nick Barmby will smile on Sunday

Gerard Houllier - in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport Online's Phil McNulty before Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton - reveals his reservations about the fixture and the prospect of Nick Barmby facing his old club.

Gerard Houllier knew what he was getting - and what the reaction would be - when he decided Nick Barmby would be Liverpool's showpiece summer signing.

Barmby had returned to the England squad under the careful guidance of Everton manager Walter Smith, and was rewarded with the offer of the most lucrative contract in Goodison Park history.

When Barmby stalled, Houllier moved in on a player he had long coveted to spark one of the most controversial transfer episodes in recent Merseyside history.

Barmby was engulfed in ill-feeling from Everton fans, an emotion that is unlikely to have disappeared when he renews acquaintances with those who once idolised him in Sunday's derby at Anfield.

Barmby has settled at Liverpool

Houllier examined the player's character as well as ability before completing a £6m deal - and believes he has had the wisdom of his decision confirmed by Barmby's performances this season.

He told BBC Sport Online in an exclusive interview: "Of course Nick will be under the spotlight on Sunday, but as far as I can recall, fans have never actually come on and played in a match.

"Nick will play his own game. He will have the backing of 40,000 Liverpool supporters and he will certainly not be scared of what awaits him.

"I did not sign an Everton player - I simply signed the player. I would have tried to sign Nick Barmby wherever he would have been playing. I want quality players at Anfield and Nick is a quality player.

"Of course the fact that he was at Everton added to the story, but I simply wanted to add a very good player to Liverpool's squad.

"I have been delighted with Nick, and he has the good strength of character to ensure I have no worries about him against Everton.

Of course Nick will be under the spotlight on Sunday, but as far as I can recall, fans have never actually come on and played in a match

  Gerard Houllier on Nick Barmby

"He brings a lot of fluidity and flow to our game. He is a clever player who is excellent at linking things together. Nick's attitude is also excellent."

Houllier's assertion that Barmby's decision was merely akin to a Formula One driver changing teams might have raised a few eyebrows - but he is part of a Liverpool side that has hit top gear recently.

But Houllier admits he has yet to enjoy one of the traditionally tough all-Merseyside confrontations.

Last season's corresponding fixture saw Everton win 1-0 - but also saw three players sent off in an explosive encounter.

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard and Sander Westerveld were sent off - along with Everton's Francis Jeffers.

Westerveld and Jeffers spar last season

Houllier said: "Apart from the obvious disappointment of the result, I was disappointed because I didn't like the game itself. There was too much aggression and tension in the game - and I include both teams in that.

"I actually thought it was unhealthy and I don't think we did particularly well. Everton denied us, and I have to say they probably deserved to win.

"The stakes are almost higher than the game itself. I know there is local pride because we are in the same city, but I hope it is played in a better manner this time."

Liverpool's performance was a turning point, with Houllier explaining: "We learned from it, and since then we have probably collected enough points in total to make us among the top three in the Premier League. We have had a very good sequence since that night.

"I have been involved in four derbies - winning one, drawing two and losing one - and I have not really enjoyed any of them.

"We had new players last season, and we have made additions this season also with people like Gary McAllister and others, but I would say we have a better balance now.

"I have been pleased with our 4-0 win at Derby and then our 1-0 win against Leicester City.

"It was almost as if the players knew it was time to show their ambition and put their stamp on the Premiership. We needed to after one or two uncertain performances."

Gary McAllister in action

Houllier has great respect for his opposite number at Everton Walter Smith - and has been surprised by their uncertain start to the new season.

He said: "I like Walter a lot. He has done a good job at Everton. I have been surprised at their results.

"But I think you could maybe put Everton in the same category as we were last season, with new players coming in, and also injuries to contend with at the start of the season, which is never good when you are trying to build something.

"They have maybe not found the right formula yet because of this, but I am sure it will come because Walter has quality players."

And Houllier is delighted he was able to acquire one of Everton's quality players in the summer in Barmby - a man with something to prove at Anfield on Sunday.