Soccer:Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has allayed fears about his health after being admitted to hospital last night. Houllier underwent heart surgery in October 2001 after feeling unwell when Liverpool boss during a clash with Leeds and did not return to full-time management for five months.

But Houllier is believed to have contacted Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner at around 7am this morning to reassure him about his current health. The Villa manager felt ill yesterday evening and admitted himself to hospital as a precaution and also underwent a routine check-up with Villa’s medical staff last week.

Faulkner is expected to visit Houllier in hospital later today where, although in a comfortable condition, he is set to remain for a couple of days. Assistant manager Gary McAllister, who played under Houllier at Liverpool, is expected to take charge of Saturday’s home Premier League clash with Stoke.

McAllister was also taking today’s training session at Bodymoor Heath.

Villa are making no official comment at this juncture but are set to release a statement later today on Houllier’s situation.

Houllier has come under fire from Villa fans on a couple of occasions this season and sections of them have called for him to be sacked. But results have taken an upturn in recent games with Villa climbing into the top half of the Premier League.

Houllier has also looked relaxed at his recent media conferences.