Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier praises Nigel Reo-Coker
Oct 20 2010 by Gregg Evans, Birmingham Mail
GERARD Houllier has praised Nigel Reo-Coker for forcing his way back into the Villa team.
The battling midfielder is starting to recapture the form that persuaded Villa to stump up £7.5 million for his services three years ago.
It marks an incredible turnaround for the 26-year-old, who looked destined to leave after falling out with former manager Martin O’Neill.
Last September, the ex-West Ham star was sent home after a spat with O’Neill at the club’s Bodymoor Heath training base.
Since then he has barely featured in claret and blue until Houllier took over last month.
Upon his arrival, one of the Frenchman’s first actions was to restore Reo-Coker to the team.
And his battling displays against Blackburn in the Carling Cup and Wolves, Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League proved he was right to have faith in the player.
“He’s been very good,” said Houllier.
“I told him I’ve been very happy with his game, especially at Tottenham.
“There’s no reason why he can’t repeat that sort of performance.
“He’s a defensive midfielder with specific missions to shield and protect the back four, and he’s done that. I like his competitiveness and high fighting energy.
