Gary McAllister this afternoon declared Gerard Houllier is a “fighter” and “will be back” after the Villa boss was given assurances that his job is safe by the club’s hierarchy.

Houllier is currently undergoing tests after being admitted to hospital with chest pains but it has since been confirmed that he will not require surgery.

The 63-year-old Frenchman has already been visited by chief executive Paul Faulkner and will speak to owner Randy Lerner, who was at Bodymoor Heath this afternoon, ahead of the Premier League match with Stoke tomorrow.

With Villa almost certain to avoid the drop, the claret and blues will not seek to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season and McAllister has been handed the reins until the end of the campaign at Houllier’s request.

But the former Leeds and Coventry boss expects Houllier to return to manage the club after he has made a complete recovery.

“They are definitely saying there is no surgery needed which is a massive plus,” said McAllister.

“The last time there was major surgery. This time there will be no surgery needed, purely medicine and rest. But as far as timescales go, he is in the hands of the specialist. He is with the top people in the country and we are being guided by them.”

“I visited him yesterday after training and was surprised how well he looked. He was great and bubby. He had a tough night before but he was looking surprisingly well and in fine fettle. I know the man better than you and he is already picking the team and organising training from his bed. He is positive, a fighter and a strong man. Gerard, is a football anorak. He lives for the game and he will back.”

The club are extremely concerned that Houllier, who was rushed to hospital for an 11-hour operation during Liverpool’s match with Leeds United in 2001, does not return before he is physically able to do so.

Meanwhile, Wolves boss Mick McCarthy sympathised with Houllier’s plight. “It’s a stressful environment to work in,” he said.

“We all know it’s hugely rewarding but when it’s getting tough you take all the problems of the club around with you — whether it’s the fans or your own issues, you feel responsible.”