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McCann & Gardner Vying For Place

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Martin O’Neill is hoping Gavin McCann will be fit for Saturday’s game against Manchester United but says he’ll have no qualms using Craig Gardner.

‘I would have a better idea on Thursday. It’s one of those. He’s had it before and been OK. At other times he’s had it and not been OK. So we will see how it is later in the week. The one thing you know with Gavin is that if he complains about an injury, you know he’s struggling. I want him to be mentally and physically right for the game.’

Adding: ‘The fact we play a lot of games in a short space of tie now is not a major issue. What matters is that he feels he’s right for the game. Craig Gardner did well when he came into Saturday’s game, so I would have no qualms about turning to him.’

Meanwhile Craig Gardner is looking to add to his sub appearance when he replaced McCann on Saturday (v dirty Bolton).

He told the official site: ‘We had enough chances to win the game three times over. I probably had the best chance. I just took a touch and the keeper was on me. It was a good save, but I was gutted. I thought it was in when I hit it and I know I should have scored. It would have been amazing to score in front of the Holte End – actually it would be amazing to score for Villa anywhere, a goal’s a goal.’

‘I’ve been waiting all season for my chance. Hopefully the gaffer likes what he saw on Saturday and I can push on. I need to get more football under my belt. It’s the same for any player out of the side, you’re just waiting for your chance. I got my first chance for a long time against Bolton and now I’m looking to build on that.’

Might be interesting to see him up against Paul Scholes, neither pull out of tackles and are both full bloodied players…. gulp.

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