Houllier puts faith in Reo-Coker

Gerard Houllier has revealed the "trust" he has in revitalised Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.

Reo-Coker's days at Villa looked numbered under previous Villa boss Martin O'Neill after a much publicised training ground bust-up early last season. But the former England Under-21 captain was brought back into the side by Villa manager Houllier in his preferred central role and been one of their most impressive performers.

Houllier said: "I am working on how far we can push the team playing the football we have been. Every manager has a philosophy and you need to know what you want from the players. For instance, some players in that situation reveal themselves. No-one could argue that Reo-Coker has changed and become a different player."

He added: "I trust him, very much, and he is doing a good job for the team.

"The job he is doing, he seems to be blossoming from that."