Gerrard delighted with Coutinho, Digne additions

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard is delighted with his two additions signed this week.

Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho could see action tomorrow against Manchester United.

On Coutinho, Gerrard said: “He's not match fit because he's been doing a lot of individual training at Barcelona and he also had a Covid situation.

“It's great to have him, it's my job to get him settled in and enjoying his football again.

"There's still a fantastic player there for sure and there's a lot of excitement in the building as well as well as outside, so we really appreciate that.

"We're lucky to have him and at the right time he will be unleashed.

"I think his name alone inspires people. What he's done in the game inspires people.

"I know him very well - fantastic relationship with him as a player. He's a great guy, a family man and he's a model professional, an elite footballer, so this is a simple case of getting him to enjoy his football and people having belief in him.

"I've got no doubt at all that we'll see the real Philippe Coutinho; as soon as he's match fit and completely up to speed then we have a wonderful footballer on our hands."

Regarding Digne, he stated: "We're delighted to have Lucas with his pedigree. He's been to different places, high class football clubs and won.

"When the opportunity came to get him in we jumped at it, we were aggressive.

"The club backed me on that and we're delighted to have a wonderfully gifted footballer at our disposal.

"Both players will make this group stronger and better."

On focusing on Manchester United, the manager added: "There's a lot of excitement around but we need to stay focussed internally on the job and the task in hand.

"It's a tough game against United but I'm sure Villa Park will be rocking, we need it rocking and we're looking forward to the game."