Villa boss hails Kyle Walker debut

Villa manager Gerard Houllier has hailed Kyle Walker's "fantastic debut" after the on-loan defender helped his side come through the FA Cup clash at Sheffield United.

Houllier's men were handed a fourth-round home tie with Blackburn in the draw after they battled to a 3-1 win over the Blades at Bramall Lane.

And Walker, who has joined the club until the end of the season, led the way after opening the scoring against his former club with a superb solo effort which pleased the manager.

He said: "The first goal was full of composure - it was a moment of individual brilliance. I knew I had signed a specialist in the position, but he had a fantastic debut.

"The second goal was also a very good goal - a team effort. There was a backpass, an opening on the left and the finish from Marc Albrighton was fantastic.

"The whole team stuck together. "

Villa are also negotiating with Lyon this week over the transfer of Jean Makoun, as the two clubs attempt to agree a fee for the Cameroon international midfielder.

Villa's current offer is not far below the player's valuation, but Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas is trying to generate interest from other clubs.

A loan deal for Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge may also be completed in the next few days, despite reported interest from West Ham.

Houllier also responded to comments which emerged over the weekend from veteran Robert Pires who had described the Villa dressing room as "highly-charged" and "strained," as well as bemoaning his lack of regular match action.

The manager said: "I think he was taken out of context. He came to see me and said that he had told the radio he was unhappy not to play.

"I told him that I am glad he is happy not to play. If he was happy, he wouldn't deserve to be on the bench.

"He played too early probably when he came, because it took him about three or four weeks to step up and now he is getting better."