Steven Gerrard backs 'healthy' Houllier to be Villa success

Steven Gerrard is tipping Gerard Houllier to be a big hit at Aston Villa after insisting he was "desperate" to return to the Premier League.

Former Liverpool boss Houllier, 63, has signed a three-year contract at Villa Park to succeed Martin O'Neill as manager.

He will be unveiled this afternoon with French compatriot Patrice Bergues joining his staff at Villa Park.

Houllier's move has helped him escape a World Cup backlash in his homeland where he was technical director to the French Football Federation.

He is now set to take charge of his first Villa game on Monday when they visit Stoke.

Houllier, who bossed Lyon from 2005-2007, has not managed in the Premier League since his six-year spell at Anfield ended in 2004.

And there have been fears for his health after major heart surgery in October 2001 when he fell ill at half time in Liverpool's match with Leeds.

But Liverpool and England midfielder Gerrard said: "I really don't think the health will be a problem. I think he will be fine.

"I saw him a few days ago at the Jamie Carragher testimonial at Anfield and he looked superb.

"He looked really healthy and fresh. I asked him then if he was interested in Aston Villa and he said he was.

"I've still got quite a close relationship with Gerard. He gave me my chance at the top level and I certainly learnt an awful lot from him.

"Aston Villa have got themselves a very good manager and I am not surprised Gerard has come back into the Premier League.

"I know how much he loves football. He has been desperate to get back involved in the Premier League."

Houllier gave Gerrard his debut at Anfield more than a decade ago and the England skipper rates the Frenchman highly from their time together on Merseyside.

They won five trophies including a famous treble in 2001 when the club claimed the UEFA Cup, The FA Cup and The League Cup.

Gerrard,30, added: "It has been no surprise to me that Villa have been interested in him because he is a top manager.

"We had a magnificent year in 2001. He came in and had to change an awful lot of things at Liverpool and that is what he is good at.

"When he comes in, he knows what he wants, and he knows how to get a winning team. That showed by the five trophies we won under him."

Houllier's health problems during the latter part of his Reds reign led to his trusted assistant Phil Thompson temporarily taking the helm.

But Sky Sports News pundit Thompson, 56, has elected not to link-up with Houllier again despite backing him to be successful.

Scouser Thompson said: "He is a proper coach, a proper man. I can assure the Villa fans that they have got an absolute gem who will work extremely hard to bring success back to Villa Park.

"We had such a great relationship and it was a wonderful offer to work with him again.

"But that would mean me moving to Birmingham and living away from home all the time. You have to put your heart and soul into it and I just couldn't commit to that."