Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has praised Joe Cole's commitment and said that his weekend goal could turn out to be very important.
Cole has endured a difficult first year with Liverpool, having hoped that his move to Anfield last summer would rejuvenate a career that had stagnated following a couple of injury-plagued seasons at Chelsea.
He has struggled to find his best form for the Reds and, after falling down the pecking order under Dalglish, speculation had started to surface over a possible summer departure.
However, the 29-year-old offered a reminder of his qualities with a late cameo in Saturday's 5-0 victory over Birmingham that he capped with a goal.
Dalglish has shrugged off suggestions that Cole's last-gasp strike did not make a huge amount of difference and instead believes it could prove to be a significant turning point.
"Joe's goal wasn't a little contribution, it could be massive for him," said the Liverpool manager.
"He has not had as many opportunities as he'd have liked because of injuries and suspension.
"Joe has had a difficult time here, so great credit to him for the way he has been training and working every single day.
"He hasn't let that affect him and that's all I can ask for - when anyone gets their chance, to go and do their best.
"And to his great credit, he is fantastic in training. He plays everything right and there isn't a problem."
Dalglish maintains that he has been highly impressed by the attitude of Cole but has urged the midfielder to keep working hard to earn more opportunities.
He added: "Joe is like Maxi Rodriguez and others who are out of the team, in giving themselves the best chance.
"They are so committed and determined in training.
"Everybody has to work hard to get anything and Joe is no different from anybody else.
"But he has done that, he has waited for his chance, and that could be very important for him."
