Gerard Houllier has set himself three targets after replacing Martin O’Neill as Aston Villa manager.

Houllier, who is expected to officially take charge in two weeks, wants to bring silverware and break into the top four by the end of his initial three-year deal.

In addition, the former Liverpool boss has his sights on achieving a long-term legacy by improving the players as individuals.

And Houllier insists the crop of young English talent at Villa Park will be given the chance to flourish – if good enough. He said: “If the young English players are good enough, they will play.

“But there is one thing I can tell you: I am sure they will improve if they are focused.

“If you look at some of the players I had at Liverpool, they made some progress, some improvement.

“For the young players, whatever the talent, one of the key ingredients to succeed is work and attitude.

“Attitude determines everything because that determines what you will make of your talent. You can the have best talent but if the attitude is not right, you waste it.”

Houllier, who is returning to the Premier League after a six year absence, added: “The chairman (owner) Randy Lerner has set no targets.

“But in the three years, I think the club will be extremely happy if they get in the top four, achieve Champions League at some stage. That is my initial target.”