Houllier stand-in ruled out

Parry: Liverpool care most about Houllier's health

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has ruled out the possibility of appointing an interim manager to deputise for Gerard Houllier.

The Frenchman is in a "satisfactory condition" after undergoing emergency open heart surgery at the weekend.

His assistant Phil Thompson has taken charge for the club's Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev.

But speculation has been circulating that Liverpool might bring in a big name on a temporary basis until Houllier has fully recovered.

It's business as usual and there will be no short-term changes or appointments

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry

Parry, however, has moved quickly to dismiss the rumours, insisting the club already have the players and backroom staff in place to come through this situation.

He told BBC Radio 4: "It's business as usual and there will be no short-term changes or appointments.

"We have a very competent team here both in terms of playing staff and coaching staff and we're going to carry on as we are."

Parry was pleased to report that Houllier is recovering well following the surgery.

"The very latest is encouraging, he came off the ventilator early on Monday and was conscious," he said.

"He was chatting to people and I think generally Monday was an important day and it went very well.

Houllier making good progress

"We're all absolutely delighted and everybody here was massively relieved. He has got a long way to go before recovering fully but so far so good.

"All we're focusing on at the moment is letting Gerard take it day by day.

"The thing we care about most about is his health. It's been a big operation but he's come through it well."