Gary McAllister believes it is too early to determine how long it will be before Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier can return to work.
Houllier remains “comfortable” in a Birmingham hospital after being admitted on Wednesday evening suffering from chest pains.
Assistant boss McAllister, who has taken charge of the team in Houllier’s absence, visited Houllier over the weekend.
McAllister said: “We are in the hands of the specialist. As far as I am concerned, the way I see it, it is a bit early to suggest the length of time he is going to be in there or what the next step is.”
Hodgson wants to reinforce squad
Roy Hodgson admits he needs to sign “several players” this summer if West Brom secure their Premier League status for another season.
The Baggies coach had inspired a revival in fortunes since his arrival in January with 13 points from eight games. The former Liverpool boss said: “I think we need to make some improvements if we do stay up.
“We are running on a reasonably small squad of players. We are asking an awful lot of inexperienced players who are getting better all the time.
“But if we want to have a good Premier League campaign next season, it is very important we sign several players in the summer that will really help us.”
Chelsea’s Torres keen to kick on
Fernando Torres is hoping he can start to enjoy his football again after finally opening his Chelsea account with the second goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win over West Ham.
“It was not the beginning I was expecting when I signed, but it’s not easy to go in January or February,” Torres said.
“I kept working and it’s thanks to all my team-mates that I scored. There’s less pressure for me now. Now I can enjoy it.
“The fans have been very patient with me. I had more and more anxiety for them than for me. Hope-fully this is the first of many.”
Hart will only get better – Corrigan
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart has been backed to overtake Peter Shilton and win a record amount of caps for England.
Shilton made the number one spot his own with 125 appearances for the nation in a glorious career.
Now Hart, 24, has established himself as England manager Fabio Capello’s first choice and taken his tally to 10 caps.
Former City goalkeeper Joe Corrigan, who made 603 ap-pearances for the club and won nine England caps, is thrilled with the shot-stopper’s progress.
“I was a little bit envious when he got past my total,” Corrigan said.
“He is a young boy with fantastic potential. I can only see him getting better and better.
“If he does he will be there for a very long time. He could go on and beat Peter Shilton’s record.”
Police play down Lennon incident
Strathclyde Police played down a complaint relating to a gesture made by Hoops boss Neil Lennon at the end of Sunday’s Old Firm stalemate.
The police indicated they would not be following up the complaint as officers in attendance witnessed Lennon’s gesture – which involved the Nor-thern Irishman cupping his ears as he left the field – and did not take any action at the time.
A spokeswoman for the police said: “We can confirm we have received a complaint regarding Neil Lennon at the end of the Rangers-Celtic football match.
“Strathclyde Police officers were in attendance at the time and would have taken action at that time if they had deemed it appropriate.”
Lippi always willing to help Juventus
Marcello Lippi has pledged his readiness to return to coach Juventus if he feels the club needs his services.
“Now there is a new manage-ment, the best that can be because Andrea is the latest Agnelli to become president and it’s a very beautiful thing,” Lippi, 63, said.
“He has enthusiasm and ability.”
Asked if he would consider a return to Juventus, Lippi replied: “Never say never. But this is not me putting forward my candidacy. It’s an explanation.
“If one day Juventus were to need a hand, and I hope they won’t because it means that everything is going well, I would give it to them in any way.”
Totti happy with Montella
Roma captain Francesco Totti believes Vincenzo Montella de-serves to get the coach’s job on a permanent basis.
Montella was appointed care-taker coach following Claudio Ranieri’s exit in February. Roma’s new American owners are expected to review his position at the end of the campaign.
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is rumoured to be the favourite for the post.
Writing on his official website, Totti said: “In this period, I often ask myself about Montella. I am very happy with him and I have always said that, for me, he will become a great tactician.
“The decisions about the future of the job are up to the new owner, but obviously, if they were to choose him, we in the team would all be very happy.”