Houllier spelt out what was needed after the home reversal by Wolves left Villa too near to the Premier League relegation zone for comfort. The players responded in the right way with seven points from three games before Houllier had to enter hospital with heart problems and then drew with Stoke last weekend when McAllister was in charge. McAllister, who will again be at the helm for Saturday's clash at West Brom, said: "I think the players here have got to take a lot of credit for our improvements. "We had a meeting here (at Bodymoor Heath) three or four weeks ago. "We sat down before we went to Goodison Park. "Gerard spoke. It was made pretty clear then that we were in trouble and the players have responded under a lot of pressure with four positive results. "I think everyone assumed the responsibility required and it was just to spell it out. "The players have shown a lot of character to produce the performances and results under the pressure they were under. "It is greater pressure for a team like Villa when they are at the bottom of the table. "Everyone as a group got together and said 'listen in this little group of games we need to set some targets' - and players produced. "It is as simple as that. You have to give them credit as a group because they produced the results." McAllister admits the task of filling the shoes of Houllier, who was discharged from hospital last night, has been made easier by the recent positive results. He said: "While Gerard is not here it's business as usual. We have to keep the players busy and buzzing. "They're on a decent run, we'll crack on, and the good thing is when you're not losing, the team picks itself. "It's been very rare for us as a group to pick the same team. There's been signs of positives, then a little dip, but we're looking nice and solid at the moment. "The starting eleven have the jersey and it's up to others to change it. It's good to keep it competitive." McAllister is full of respect for Albion head coach Roy Hodgson who has seen the Baggies pick up 13 points from his eight games in charge after an unhappy spell at Liverpool. He said: "Roy is proven and done well at Albion. Having been at the club (Liverpool) and knowing the expectation levels, you have to produce results quickly. "I think all managers go into jobs and are not necessarily given enough time to get your philosophy over and stamp your authority in the building. "It was just unfortunate that it didn't happen for him. It is a club so rich with history and tradition and they are so used to winning but he has shown his character. "He hasn't messed around and has got straight back in there and he is another guy who I think is very similar to Gerard because they love being involved in the game."
