‘I like a risk’ – Steven Gerrard welcomes the pressure of Aston Villa role

Steven Gerrard will take charge of Aston Villa for the first time on Saturday (Jane Barlow/PA)

Steven Gerrard is relishing the challenge of resurrecting Aston Villa’s Premier League fortunes as he prepares to take charge of the club for the first time against Brighton on Saturday.

Gerrard paid tribute to his Villa predecessor Dean Smith but is in no doubt about the size of the task he faces, with the club currently languishing in 16th place after five consecutive defeats.