Houllier: Pires can help mould young Villa talent

GERARD HOULLIER believes new signing Robert Pires can have a major influence on Aston Villa’s cluster of rising young talent.

Pires has put pen to paper on a six-month deal and subject to international clearance could make his debut in tomorrow’s visit to Blackburn.

Houllier feels the 37-year-old can help the likes of Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan — who signed a new three-and-a-half-year deal yesterday — and Ciaran Clark develop.