Villains have an Aston Villa future
Gerard Houllier today revealed that Richard Dunne and James Collins can still be part of his vision for Villa.
Gerard Houllier today revealed that Richard Dunne and James Collins can still be part of his vision for Villa.
The club fined the pair a total of £200,000 - two weeks' wages each - yesterday as punishment for their role in a boozy row with club staff while on a team-bonding exercise.
Although Houllier was keen to draw a line under the whole incident doubts remain over whether the defensive duo will remain at the claret and blues.
The Frenchman is preparing to wield the guillotine in the summer with several players set to get the chop as he sets about the task of rebuilding the Villa squad.
Dunne, 31, in particular, is thought to be among the list of players Houllier is keen to cut from the Villa wage bill.
But when asked if the pair have a future Villa Park Houllier said: "Of course, yes, why not? At the moment, they are both injured.
"I have got a long capacity of forgiveness which is very useful in football. I trust players, I trust people. I think I can be tough but I am a nice man.
"I'm not bullying, I'm not shouting and sometimes I try to understand but trust is always two ways."
The Villa manager also offered a tongue-in-cheek response to questions about why there had been several instances of alleged bust-ups since he took over.
"I've got my opinion on that," said Houllier. "Maybe we can talk about that at the end of the season over half a pint of beer because I can't stand one pint!"
Meanwhile, Nathan Baker has expressed his pride after a surprise call-up to the England Under-21 squad for the friendlies against Denmark and Iceland later this month.
"I was just sitting at home with my family and I got a text saying I was in the squad," said Baker.
"My mate texted me and then a couple of minutes later I got a message from the FA letting me know I was in the squad. I wasn't really expecting it to be honest. I was over the moon when I found out.
"I am still learning but it is going well. There have been a lot of injuries here so it has given me a chance to show what I can do."
* Villa have secured the future of Spanish youngster Juan Serrano after the 17-year-old midfielder signed a professional contract which will keep him at the club until 2013.
