Aston Villa defender James Collins has called on Gerard Houllier to stick with the experienced stars.
Defender happy to see old guard back in the fold
Aston Villa defender James Collins has called on Gerard Houllier to stick with the experienced stars to help them get out of trouble.
Houllier has blooded a number of young players since taking over at Villa Park with the likes of Barry Bannan, Jonathan Hogg and Eric Lichaj all getting an extended run in the side.
Frenchman Houllier restored some of his more experienced players for Sunday's 3-3 draw at Chelsea with Richard Dunne returning to the side after a spell on the sidelines.
Wales international Collins believes experience will be vital if Villa are to get themselves out of relegation trouble.
"Experience was important at Chelsea," Collins told the
Daily Star. "A lot of the boys who played in that game have probably played in matches like that before. That obviously helps.
"We know we are at the wrong end of the table and that is a situation that probably calls for older heads and people with a bit of experience.
Know-how
"Everyone knows we have got some exciting kids at the club and they have big futures, but this is a time where we need that know-how.
"That is why it was great to see Richard Dunne back in the team. It's always great playing with Dunny, too. He's such a good defender. He's so professional on the pitch, it's inspiring to everyone.
"It was good to have him back and he helped lift everyone.
"Everyone showed fantastic spirit. To go to Stamford Bridge and get a point was brilliant. It would have been an injustice if we hadn't got anything.
"It felt like we'd won the game at the end. When a team scores against you in the last minute, it is usually a killer blow, so for us to nick one again was brilliant."
