With an injury list as long as … erm, something that is long, O’Leary might be forced to recall Peter Whittingham from Derby. With the defence down to it’s bare bones with Laursen, Bouma and Cahill out, not to mention Jlloyd struggling on with a shoulder injury, O’Leary might need the versatility of Whittingham who is currently playing at left back for The Rams. O’Leary said: ‘I may recall Peter. He’s done okay at Derby and he gives us that left-footed option.’ Right, nice quotes, thanks for that David!
The draw for the 4th round of the Carling Cup is made on Saturday live on Sky. I’d love to get The Baggies or even Small Heath, we could do with adding some spice.
Baros is pushing for a role in our Sky live game v Man City on Monday night. He has been struggling with a Achilles injury since the Wycombe mauling. The problem was made worse by the Czech Republic playing him against the wishes of Villa.
Hughes should also be available for selection. He missed the 1-0 Carling Cup victory over Burnley on Tuesday and assistant manager Aitkin explained: ‘Aaron was more or less rested against Burnley. He had a little reaction because he came back quickly after his operation and he had played a couple of tough games. The manager felt it was best to rest him in midweek and let it settle down a little bit. We are very hopeful he will be available for Monday.’
Mellberg has said that the Carling Cup is a good route into Europe and is looking to progress further saying that although we didn’t create many chances against Burnley, we got the win and that is all that matters.
Phillips has backed Angel and says once he gets one, he will probably ‘get a hatful’
Delaney says it is great to have McCann back(from his knee injury) as he is vital to the team: ‘It was great to have Gavin back in the side against Burnley because he is massively important at Villa. I certainly know what he can do. He breaks up play, plays the easy ball and is massively influential in the side. He was crunching in with some good tackles all over the pitch. He is a player who doesn’t get much recognition but we, as professionals, know what he gives to our side.’
Aitkin has praised Phillips: ‘Kevin Phillips is a goalscorer. That’s what we have brought him here to do. He is a match-winner isn’t he? It is great to have someone like Kevin in the team.’
Milner is hoping to make the step up from England U21’s to the full England set up. If he keeps playing like he is, then I’m sure he will succeed, hopefully as a fully signed up (not loaned) Villa player! He said ‘I am just focusing on doing the business at Villa and you will get your chance if you do well for your club.’
Phillips says the competition is good at Villa and knows he is under pressure from Moore and Angel. He also wants to emulate Sheringham who is still scoring at the top level at the age of 39. ‘I look at someone like Teddy Sheringham and he is still producing the goods at 39. If I can play until then, it would be fantastic. There is no reason why I can’t. I look after myself. I think that is the key now. We’ve got so many people at the club now that make sure you look after yourself, there is no way of going wrong.’
A Woman’s thought for the day (?!): Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hairstylist you like.
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