They needn't have worried themselves, because in Walem they had a ready-made replacement.

Has proven good enough to make the grade in Serie A, firstly with Udinese and now with high-flyers Parma, where he has occasionally starred, but found it difficult to hold down a regular spot.

Strangely, he has yet to fully establish himself in the Belgian side -Walem has been coach Waseige's back-up man in the absence of playmaker Wilmots.

He is a tricky customer either on the left flank or in central midfield.