Villa assistant boss Gary McAllister has insisted there has been “no mutiny” among the club’s players over modifications to a PFA-approved handbook.

It was rumoured that up to eight claret and blue stars were considering their futures at Villa Park following alleged changes to the document by manager Gerard Houllier.

A senior official has denied reports that there had been a player revolt at the club over proposed changes and this was quickly followed by a statement from goalkeeper Brad Friedel at the weekend.

Now McAllister has outlined that there is no problem from the perspective of the management team despite ongoing talk of player unrest.

He said: “There has been little arguments here and there but nothing outside the realms of what happens at most clubs. I don’t think there’s any mutiny here.

“The facts are most football clubs have a rule book which is set by the Professional Footballers’ Association and, apart from little tweaks here and there, it’s a standard rule book.

“Mobile phones aren’t switched on inside the building and Gerard had this rule when I was a player at Liverpool.

“It’s to encourage people to speak to each other rather than be texting and phoning. But when they get to the car park, it is fine.

McAllister also maintained his continued support for Houllier’s vision for the club and his belief that that players posses the necessary qualities to pull clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

The Scot said: “Gerard Houllier is a proven manager – I’m working under somebody who’s had to make big decisions, won things.

“I don’t think he does anything by half measures. One of the things he said to me when he asked me to join him is that there’s an opportunity to get a project going.

“And I’ve never worked under a chairman who is more accommodating. I’ve probably spoken to him more than I’ve spoken to any other chairman.”

McAllister also backed Villa’s players to pull the club clear of relegation danger in the Premier League.

He said: “I’ve seen some of the players talking about pride, playing for the fans, playing for the jersey – they know we’re in a bit of trouble and we need to produce.

“I agree some players in other teams are a little bit more hardened. But I don’t think it’s going to be a problem because players’ pride and quality will lift them above it.

“We’ve got enough quality and goals in the team and we all believe we’ll be good enough to come out the other side.”