Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa:AT A time when Aston Villa's squad is being stretched to breaking point and the transfer window remains closed for another six weeks, it is easy to imagine Gerard Houllier could not believe his luck when he realised that Robert Pires, one of the most gifted and decorated French footballers of his generation, was kicking his heels in north London.
It was a mid-season transfer waiting to happen, with the Villa manager keen to add experience to his depleted and callow ensemble and Pires desperate to have the opportunity to return to the Premier League and prove that age is nothing but a number.
"I'm pleased to announce the signing of a young player," Houllier joked as he sat alongside the 37-year-old midfielder, who has joined Villa until the end of the season.
Pires, looking a good deal slimmer than his compatriot David Ginola did when he rocked up at Villa Park in the twilight of his career, said all the right things and even managed to sound genuine when he spoke of his desire to add the League Cup to the World Cup and European Championship he won with France and the two Premier League titles and three FA Cups he won during six glorious years as an Arsenal player that included being part of the Invincibles who went through the 2003-'04 league season unbeaten.
It also says a lot for Pires' passion for football that he refused to retire when he was unable to find a club after Villarreal released him in the summer and instead returned to his old stamping ground to maintain his fitness. He spent two months training with Arsenal.
"The football has changed in England," said Pires, who is expected to start on the bench.
"Robert has never been the quickest but he has got quick feet and the eye for the pass and he will make goals for us," said Houllier, who plans to play Pires on the left side of midfield.
That much was evident during Pires's first Villa training session yesterday morning, although it transpires that the Frenchman was doing his fair share of admiring as players such as Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan and Ciaran Clark, who have come through the club's academy, caught his eye.
Indian poultry giant Venky's yesterday completed their €27 million takeover of Blackburn Rovers.
Guardian Service
Blackburn Rovers v Aston Villa Tomorrow, Ewood Park Kick-off - 1.30pm Live on Sky Sports 1
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