Former Aston Villa midfielder Ray Houghton has told the board at the club to trust their judgement when naming the club's new manager.
Alex McLeish is the favourite to assume the role at Villa Park, with the former Birmingham boss set to controversially meet with their Midlands rivals later today, according to Sky Sports News.
Houghton, a former Republic of Ireland international, is well aware that appointing McLeish would be a contentious issue for the Villains, but believes American owner Randy Lerner must trust his judgement and go with it when he finds the right man to replace Gerard Houllier.
"If you look at internet forums then with every name that has been mentioned, the Aston Villa fans have found something wrong with that particular manager," Houghton told Sky Sports News.
"The big problem with Alex McLeish is he used to be manager of Birmingham only a few days ago and that, when you're playing against one of your big rivals, is going to be very important. This is where the owner, Randy Lerner, has to sit down and make a huge decision.
"He knows he's going to get a backlash from certain members of the Aston Villa public, but if he believes in him and he's going to back him - that's what I think an owner has to do - then he has to give him the tools to make things work.
"Personally think you need the best man for the job, regardless of if he used to manage or play for one of your great rivals. In the end it's about taking the team forward."
