Steven Gerrard expects Gerard Houllier to be a success at Aston Villa Football Club.

The 63-year-old French coach has been appointed as the new boss at Villa Park, following Martin O’Neill’s decision to quit before the start of the season.

Houllier handed Gerrard his debut for Liverpool more than a decade ago, and the Reds skipper believes the Midlands club have made a shrewd appointment.

“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," said the England international.

“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, and it has been no surprise to me that Villa have been interested in him because he is a top manager.”

Houllier is best remembered on Merseyside for his exploits in the 2000-2001 season, when he left Liverpool to the FA Cup, League Cup and Uefa Cup Treble.

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