GERARD Houllier admits it will take time to stamp his mark on Aston Villa as he prepares to take charge for the first time in tonight’s home Carling Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers.

Houllier intends to make around half a dozen changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Bolton at the weekend.

He also revealed plans to alter Villa’s playing style and training methods with the aid of new assistant manager Gary McAllister and first-team coach Gordon Cowans, formerly a Rovers player.

But the former Liverpool boss does not expect his revolution at Villa Park to happen overnight.

Houllier, who has signed a three-year deal, said: “In the short term I need to know the players more and they need to get used to the different types of training – more continental in terms of tactics – and a variety of drills.

“It will take time to implement and be accepted. You come with philosophies and beliefs and need to convince the players to do them.

"Will we be playing in a different way? Obviously it won’t be done overnight.”

Houllier intends to rotate some of the players against Blackburn but insists the competition will be taken seriously.

He said: “We will not be putting out a lesser side. It will be a good side.

"I will rotate some of the players and I will not be the only manager to have done that.

“The League Cup was the first trophy I won at Liverpool and, if you win five games, you are at Wembley.

“We all know the club is desperate for some silverware.

"We want that and to reach a high position in the league. That is what we are here for.”