While initial fears where for Houllier's life rather then his career, O'Leary admits that he had no doubts that he would once again cross swords with his fellow manager once the former French coach was free from the danger placed on his very existance by his heart attack.
“It is great to see Gérard back, looking so healthy," said O'Leary ahead of Liverpool's trip to Villa Park tomorrow. "A lot was made of my visiting him in hospital but, in truth, a lot of people visited him in hospital.
"I was worried about his health but I was never worried, once he got better, that he would be lost to the game. This is his job and this is where he belongs. This is what he is good at.
"What else would he do? I think we’d all be bored playing golf all day. Houllier is back and he has made the right decision to come back. You do not switch off in this game."