FLORENT Laville has made as big an impression with his team-mates as he has with the fans.

Despite the odd rush of blood - the backpass that sent Jussi Jaaskelainen at full stretch in the United game and the mistake that led to the keeper having to make that brilliant double save from Michael Owen and Vladimir Smicer at Liverpool - the Frenchman appears to have settled in well, striking up an almost instant understanding with Gudni Bergsson.

"He's done marvelously well," the skipper says of the Frenchman.

"He's been thrown in at the deep end against good sides - United and Liverpool - and I'd say we've been a touch unlucky to concede three goals in those matches.

"The late goal we conceded against United was very, very disappointing, as we all know, but I think he's coped tremendously. He's a solid, thoughtful and clever player and a good centre half - there's no doubt about that."

Jaaskelainen meanwhile, has modestly shrugged off the praise for his Anfield heroics, saying: "It's nice to make some saves because that's why I'm there but that's just my job."