ROY HODGSON has been backed to become new Liverpool manager by Gerard Houllier – as Javier Mascherano dropped the biggest hint yet he wants to leave.

Hodgson has emerged as a front-runner to take over at Anfield after Rafael Benitez left the club on Thursday after six years in charge.

The 62-year-old has admirers inside the Liverpool boardroom for the manner in which he guided Fulham to the Europa League final on a modest budget last month.

And former Anfield manager Houllier is convinced Hodgson’s vasy coaching experience – which includes spells at Inter Milan and the Swiss and Finnish international teams – makes him a wise choice.

“Roy has done very well with an average team at Fulham,” said Houllier.

“I would be delighted if he could coach Liverpool in his career as he deserves it. He’s used to coaching stars. Don’t forget he was at Inter Milan as well.”

While both Guus Hiddink and Frank Rijkaard appear to have ruled themselves out of the running, a clutch of another names have been linked with the vacant position in recent days.