New faces have big impact, says Houllier

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier expects his new signings to have a continued impact at the club.

Record signing Darren Bent scored on debut against Manchester City on Saturday, while Tottenham loan signing Kyle Walker also scored on his first Villa appearance against Sheffield United in the FA Cup win two weeks ago.

“The signings gave us a bit of a buzz about the place,” Houllier said.

“The first signing was Kyle Walker who couldn’t play against Man City because he had a back problem. It happened on Friday in training.”

“We thought he would be OK but he couldn’t make it. Kyle started with us at Sheffield and practically with the first movement he had he scored a goal.”

“It was Darren’s first game for us and he scored. The luck went right to the end. The spirit and heart is very important.”

Walker is available again after his back problem and striker Emile Heskey returns after completing a three-game suspension.

Houllier could introduce another new face to his squad on Tuesday, if six-million-pound Lyon signing Jean Makoun features, but with the team’s form on the rise he will have to be at the top of his game to force his way into the side.

“I said if we can stick together things can happen. If Jean Makoun plays against Wigan, he’s got pressure on his shoulders.”

One man who has not been involved in recent weeks is full-back Stephen Warnock, the 29-year-old’s former club, Liverpool, is believed to be interested in re-signing the left-back but Houllier insists that he has not received any bids for the player.

“He trained on Saturday,” said Houllier. “I’m not his agent, he’s an Aston Villa player at the moment. He’s not involved, but who knows what can happen tomorrow?”