James Collins' call for Michael Owen

Villa defender James Collins has welcomed Gerard Houllier's interest in Michael Owen by declaring his arrival would be a huge coup for the club.

New Villa boss Houllier, who will watch tomorrow's Bolton game from the stands before taking charge on Monday, confirmed he is keen on the Manchester United star, whom he managed at Liverpool.

Owen is out of contract at the end of the season but, having failed to start for United this term, a cut-price deal in January would be a distinct possibility.

Collins believes the 30-year-old remains a class act despite suffering a succession of injuries in recent years and would love to see the former England international at Villa Park.

He said: "We only signed one player in the summer, so the manager must look at it and think we need players.

"I've played against Michael 10 to 15 times and every time I've played against him – even when people were saying he wasn't the player he used to be – he was still causing all sorts of problems.

"If it comes off it would be great for the club and hopefully attract more players.

"He is a superb finisher and always has been. You don't lose that overnight. He would be great for the team.

"He's a lovely fella. A lot of the players here have played with him for England and always speak very highly of him. He would be great for the club on and off the pitch."

It is not the first time Owen has been linked with the claret and blues, with the one-time Real Madrid star a regularly rumoured to be a target for previous manager Martin O'Neill.

But this time Villa's interest is official after Houllier said: "He has always been in my thoughts. I like him as a player and as a man."

Collins is also eager for Villa to maintain their 100 per cent Premier League home record against the Trotters, whom they have scored 13 times against in their last three Villa Park meetings.

He added: "As much as the Stoke result was bad we have taken some positives – the way we passed and created chances. Your home form is massive in the league.

"Hopefully we can continue the run."