Houllier in line for Villa return

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier could make a surprise return to football next week for his team's season-ending clash against former club Liverpool, but the Frenchman is unlikely to be in the dugout.

Houllier, who underwent open-heart surgery nine years ago when he was in charge at Anfield, was admitted to a Birmingham hospital on April 20 suffering with a heart problem, and discharged nine days later.

"He won't be in the dugout, but there might be a visit of such. May be there is a chance of it, although it's something we've not spoken about," said caretaker boss Gary McAllister.

"Gerard is very good. I've seen quite a bit of him this week, and I've been speaking to him a great deal. I've been over and we ventured out and had a bit of lunch. He's up and about, certainly more free around the house, so he's good."

"There have been loads of conversations with (chief executive) Paul Faulkner, myself, getting on with things, preparing for next year."