Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard insists Philippe Coutinho is trying.

Gerrard recognises the midfielder is struggling this season.

But he says: "We signed Phil, you could see from afar he wasn't happy at Barcelona. The age he's at and the talent he's got, I have full confidence in him. The stats suggest he's not at his best, but we will give him evety bit of support he needs.

"He's pushing and trying. Like the team, he might just need some luck.

"But you don't lose talent and class. He blew the roof off Villa Park [when he arrived]. It is still there, my opinion on him won't change ever."