Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier admits he feared he'd made a mistake signing Arsenal legend Robert Pires.
Pires was outstanding in Villa's FA Cup victory over Blackburn Rovers.
"To be honest with you I thought maybe I made a mistake with Robert because I started him in the team too early after he signed for us," said the Villa boss. "Don't forget we were short of personnel at the time so I launched him in and his first game was against Arsenal.
"It took him about two months to get back to a certain level of fitness and maybe it was my mistake to ask too much too soon.
"Then he had this declaration in France that he was not happy - so actually I was happy because I don't like a player who says he is happy not playing. I don' t want people who like to sit on the bench."
Pires' first goal in England since his farewell for Arsenal in May 2006 brought huge celebrations.
"I think the other players respect him as a top guy. He trains superbly and sets a magnificent example every day," added Houllier.
