Manager Gerard Houllier admits he needs to strengthen his Aston Villa squad during the January transfer window. Houllier is preparing for his first derby against Birmingham on Sunday without several key players through injury and suspension. Skipper Stiliyan Petrov and striker Gabriel Agbonlahor are sidelined through injury while fast-emerging winger Marc Albrighton is suspended after his red card against Burnley in the Carling Cup. Houllier is not a big fan of the January window but acknowledges he will need to add new blood. He said: "I don't like January because January is not a good period. But you need to be blind not to see that there are some areas where we are not blessed with numbers. "If we spot a really good player with internationally-proven experience who can bring something to the team, particularly in some areas, we will take him. We need to bring some players in. I think we will have one or two coming in January. "Will it be up front? Not necessarily."
Source: PA
Source: PA