´As you were´, Houllier

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier has been backed by the club after their stuttering start to the season.

And the Frenchman responded by cancelling a planned trip back to his homeland as he attempts to change his side’s fortunes after their 3-0 defeat at Liverpool on Monday.

Rather, Houllier met with his coaching staff in a bid to remedy Villa’s poor form against local rivals West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

“It’s ‘as you were’ for us,” chief executive Paul Faulkner said.

“It’s not even a vote of confidence, as nothing has changed.”

“He is incredibly hard-working and doing everything he can.”

And Houllier, whose side are two points and two places above the relegation zone, added: “I was supposed, after the Liverpool game, to go to France.”

“I wanted to see a Champions League game, but I cancelled that because I wanted to stay with the team and the staff.”

“We had meetings because we are concerned with what is going on. And more of those meetings involved the chairman which was extremely positive.”

“He knows we are going through a really bad run. We have got to stick together and push up. It is as simple as that.”

“I think the players at the moment are low in terms of confidence, but at the same time it is a team thing and we have the talent and the character I hope to get there.”

Many Villa supporters were critical of Houllier’s actions on his return to Liverpool, his former club, when he claimed that he would rather lose to the Anfield giants than any other side.

But Houllier insists he is only concerned with events at Villa Park.

“I was surprised to see them say touching this (the Anfield sign) was a huge offence,” the Villa boss said.

“It was totally taken out of context. It was not what it was meant. If it hurts them I am sorry. If you want me to apologise, I apologise.”

Emile Heskey returns to the Villa side after a seven-game absence because of a knee injury. He last appeared for Villa in the 0-0 draw with Birmingham City on October 31.

Ashley Young is back after serving a one match suspension for five bookings, although Ciaran Clark is suspended.

Luke Young has had a scan for a hip injury and will miss the derby. England striker Gabriel Agbonlahor will not face West Brom ether as he has picked up a chest infection.