Houllier will return as Villa boss

Aston Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister says manager Gerard Houllier has been back at the training ground and will return to his post in the summer.

Houllier has been absent in recent weeks after suffering with heart problems.

“Gerard is very good. I’ve seen a lot more of him in the recent week or so,” McAlister said.

“He is up and around and popped up to the training ground the other day and had some chats with the chairman and the chief executive.”

“He is a lot better. He has ventured away from home which is good.”

“There was a whisper about Gerard coming to Sunday’s game and he was half thinking about it but he won’t be there.”

“All the decisions will be taking place after the final game of the season and we see what our final league position is.”

“Then we will try and start putting things into operation. It’s going to be a busy time getting organised for next season.”

“The full schedule for pre-season training has been done and Gerard has got all these lists of targets and decisions on players who might not be part of the plans moving forward.”

McAllister has urged the club’s fans to force Ashley Young to stay.

Several clubs are rumoured to be interested in the England midfielder and McAllister is desperate for him to receive a great reception from supporters as the season comes to a close at home to Liverpool on Sunday.

He has hit seven goals this season as Villa have stuttered into 13th place.

“We have been sitting down with Ashley Young for the entire season and you must realise that,” McAlister said.

“We will do anything to keep him and we have a year left on his contract so we are still holding the aces.

“But we appreciate that there are people interested – it has been well documented. Aston Villa are trying to keep him here.”

“We are doing everything we can do and he will get a nice reception.”

“Hopefully he can score a few goals and get a good cheer from the crowd.”

“We must try to convince Ashley that he can achieve everything he wants to right here at Villa Park.”

Aston Villa will definitely be without midfielder Jean Makoun (calf).