Liverpool Echo, 29 Oct 2002 Babbel close to happy return By Chris Bascombe LIVERPOOL'S Markus Babbel has been told he is finally ready to end 14 months of agony by returning to Gerard Houllier's starting line-up. Babbel was given the clearest signal yet he's edging closer to a first team comeback by being left out of Liverpool Reserves' 2-1 in Leeds last night. With Stephane Henchoz still injured, Liverpool boss Houllier wasn't prepared to risk Babbel ahead of tomorrow's crucial Champions' League tie with Valencia. It's unlikely the 30-year-old will start against the Spanish champions as the impressive Djimi Traore continues to deputise. But he will be on the bench again and he's been pencilled in to start in the Worthington Cup tie against Southampton next week. The long road back from serious illness is now coming to an end for the likeable German, who feared he would never play again at one stage last season. Babbel hasn't started a Premiership game since an away trip to Bolton in August last year after which he was struck down with Guillain Barre Syndrome. His last senior appearance of any capacity was as a late substitute in the Community Shield. Apart from reserve games, he's made a few appearances on the Liverpool bench in recent weeks but is now itching for a full comeback. Valencia arrived on Merseyside today knowing victory would secure their passage into the second stage of the Champions' League. Liverpool boss Houllier has revealed his determination to win the competition because it would mean the Reds will get to keep the European Cup. Having won it four times, a fifth win would guarantee Liverpool ownership of the current trophy. "The Champions League is the ultimate goal. If we win it we keep it," said Houllier. "The European Cup was born in France so it means something to a Frenchman. In France, Europe means more than the domestic league. If you ask a manager there what he wanted he would say that, but I'm not sure that's the case in England." Tomorrow's game will be screened live on ITV2. Kick-off is 7.45pm.