NIGEL Reo-Coker insists the Villa dressing room have finally embraced Gerard Houllier’s philosophies after vowing to carry out the recuperating manager’s wishes during his absence.

Houllier has faced an almighty challenge getting his footballing and training principles over to some of his players since succeeding Martin O’Neill in the hotseat in September.

But Reo-Coker reckons Houllier’s hallmark is stamped all over the squad now – even though the manager is expected to be kept away from the club for the rest of the season.

Villa’s vice-captain admits that caretaker-boss Gary McAllister’s pre-match team talk before Saturday’s Stoke stalemate was straightforward because the players know what Houllier expects.

Since being admitted with chest pains last Wednesday evening 63-year-old Houllier has remained in the coronary ward of the Queen Elizabeth hospital so that doctors can monitor him.

“Gary passed a message on to the players that the manager is doing better, but I think that (the game plan) is something the manager has installed in us already,” said Reo-Coker.

“His discipline and attitude to matches has rubbed off on the players and we know what is expected of us and what we have to do in certain areas to improve.

“We want to play football, and play good football at the right times, and we know to concentrate on ourselves and not worry about the opposition.

“I personally believe now, if we play to our strengths, we will give any team in the Premier League a good run for their money. It has been a difficult time for everyone with the manager unfortunately being in a position like this with his health.

“Sometimes football has to take a back seat – there is a situation where someone’s life is at stake.