Pires to give Villa’s youngsters a star to look up to
Published:Gary McAllister believes that Robert Pires’ imminent arrival at Aston Villa could have a positive impression on many of the club’s young stars.
Pires is set to become the first signing of Gerard Houllier’s rein at Villa when he is expected to make his free transfer at the end of this week after being released by La Liga side Villarreal over the summer.
Despite now being a 37-year-old, Pires’ Premier League know-how with Arsenal could prove critical for Villa, especially as injury as deprived them of virtually all of their experienced midfield options.
Meanwhile, assistant boss McAllister believes that the arrival of Pires will be a welcome boost to the squad given the magnitude of the games he has played in during his career.
McAllister told the Aston Villa club website: “It’s perfect. I am sure he will arrive at the training ground in good condition. He’s a player everyone can look up to because of what he has achieved.”
Although Pires has been without a club since the end of last season, there is every chance that he will be immediately ready to feature in the first team because of the fact that he has been training with Arsenal of late.
However, Villa’s next Premier League game away at Blackburn may come a bit quick for him, meaning that his debut could ironically come in Villa’s home game with Arsenal.
Villa currently sit in ninth in the Premier League standings, but they may fancy their chances of beating Blackburn at 2/1.
They have won their league games at Ewood Park in three of the last four seasons, while Villa have also already eliminated Blackburn from the third round of the Carling Cup during the current campaign.
Blackburn are 11/8 to beat Villa and have won two of their last three games. See the whole Blackburn vs Aston Villa match betting odds market.
