Gary at helm for Arsenal trip

Gary McAllister will be in charge for Aston Villa’s visit to Arsenal on Sunday and until the end of the season.

Gerard Houllier is still recovering after a health scare, and his assistant has taken temporary charge.

And although McAllister insists Houllier is recovering well, he admits he does not know how long he will be at the helm.

“There is no real indication of when he will be back,” said the Scot.

“I don’t think he will be here for either of the next two games but if he is pushing for the end of the month then I’m sure things will progress.”

“I speak to him regularly and have seen him four or five times this week. I went out for lunch with him the other day and he is looking good.”

Meanwhile, Aston Villa midfielder Ashley Young is heading into Sunday’s game with Arsenal admitting he is unsure whether his future lies at Villa Park.

The England international has been the subject of much media speculation in recent weeks, with Liverpool and Manchester United reported to be tracking him.

And Young admits that he cannot guarantee where he will be playing next season – although he insists his focus is on helping Villa climb from their current position of 14th.

“I want to be able to do well for myself, do well for the club and get them higher than we are at the moment,” he said.

“Fingers crossed, I can continue not to be injured, keep going, keep doing what I’ve been doing, and see it right through to the end of the season.”

“I’m an ambitious person who wants to win titles and leagues and cups and stuff.”

“Hopefully, fingers crossed, I can do that. I think they say players start to peak at 26 or 27.

“I’ll soon be 26, so fingers crossed I can start peaking myself. I’ve been enjoying how things have been going for me.”