Aston Villa first team coach Gordon Cowans is delighted with his elevation.

Cowans paid tribute to Gary McAllister, saying he's been impressed with the way the new assistant manager has bonded so quickly with the players.

He also revealed his delight at Rafa Gonzalez's appointment as goalkeeping coach.

He told Villa's website: "Gary will be a really good asset for this football club.

"He was a very experienced player - a very good footballer - and has experience as a manager too so he will bring a lot to the club.

"Even watching him in the first few training sessions, he's been involved and been very good - he comes across very well to the lads.

"It is great news for Rafa too. He is a very good goalkeeping coach. He's only been with us for a few years but you look at some of the exercises he's brought in to the goalkeepers and the lads love working with him. You need to have good characters - you need personality and banter - because you'll get plenty back off the lads."