Gerard Houllier's shock return

ABOVE: Gerard Houllier would be certain to get a warm reception

GERARD HOULLIER could make a surprise emotional return to Villa Park on Sunday.

Gerard Houllier’s former club Liverpool are the visitors and it is believed the 63-year-old is keen to show he is on the mend.

The Aston Villa boss is still recuperating after being rushed to hospital with a heart scare on April 20.

He has been told to take things easy with his No.2 Gary McAllister left in charge for the remainder of the season.

But Houllier is feeling more like his old self and would like to be at Villa Park for the final game.

With Villa safe and nothing resting on the game, it could be considered stress-free enough to give him the go-ahead to watch if he feels up to it.

If he gets the nod, he will steer clear of the dug-out or any direct involvement, but may take a discreet seat in the stands.

Houllier would be certain to get a warm reception from both sets of fans should he decide to go along.

The French boss spent nine days in hospital undergoing tests following the scare and has been resting at home since. But he did pop in to the Bodymoor Heath training centre for lunch with McAllister and the backroom staff and has taken part in discussions for next season.

Houllier’s condition, a torn aorta, had greater implications because of his health problems 10 years ago.

He collapsed at half-time in a Liverpool v Leeds game and had to have 11 hours of open-heart surgery.

There are question marks as to whether he will stay on as boss, but McAllister has indicated that Houllier is planning to return.

McAllister said: “Gerard is very good. He’s been over to have a bit of lunch. He’s getting on with things.

“As much as people might think things are winding down, there is a lot to do.

“We are chatting about pre-season and people who are in our plans and those who aren’t. There isn’t any pressure being put on him.

“Obviously there has got to be a decision at some point. We know what is going on and we are clear in our own minds of the direction we want to go.”