Desserts have gone, sauces are banned and players have been told to watch as much football as possible... it has not taken long for Steven Gerrard to make his mark at Aston Villa, now his short reign faces another major test as he returns to Liverpool

When John McGinn turned 27 in October, he arrived at the Aston Villa training ground with an array of cakes that were described as the best ever seen at the club.

The Scotland midfielder brought a sponge cake, a red velvet cake and a number of different cupcakes. Striker Ollie Watkins turns 26 at the end of the month and it would be a surprise if the occasion is marked in the same fashion.

Since Steven Gerrard succeeded Dean Smith as head coach on November 11, desserts and table sauces have disappeared from the canteen at Bodymoor Heath.