Houllier admitted to hospital

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is resting in a Birmingham hospital after complaining of chest pains.

The Frenchman admitted himself to hospital on Wednesday as a precaution.

Houllier is reported to be in a ‘comfortable’ condition after spending the night in hospital.

The 63-year-old has a history of health problems after being forced to undergo life-saving emergency heart surgery in October 2001 after complaining of chest pains at half-time during Liverpool’s game with Leeds at Anfield.

Houllier is unlikely to be at Saturday’s home match against Stoke City with assistant boss Gary McAllister set to take charge.

Potters boss Tony Pulis is hoping Houllier’s latest problem is not serious and hopes to see him make a full recovery.

“I think everybody in football would wish Gerard a speedy recovery,” Pulis told Sky Sports News. “First and foremost we hope he is well and I am sure they will be looking after him.”

“I don’t know how bad or how serious it is, but I am sure he will get looked after and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”

“Gerard was staying in the same hotel that we stayed in on Sunday before the semi-final and we had a chat and he looked really well.”

“He looked fine, as bright as a button, and it surprised me when someone told me about him.”

Villa are expected to make a statement later on Thursday.