Villa Miss-fits Back In Contention

Looks like the departure of David O’Leary may well resurrect a few careers at Villa Park.

Wales international defender Mark Delaney has volunteered to play for the reserves tonight v Chesterfield in a bid to gain match fitness and Villa miss-fits (aka, those that never got a chance despite DOL buying them) Mathieu Berson and Eric Djemba-Djemba could also feature.

Roy Aitken told the official site:

‘These games are about getting the whole squad fit and ready for the Premiership kick-off. Mark will play against Chesterfield and he’ll be joined by Mathieu and Eric, who will play their first game of the summer.’
Head of Sports Science Steve McGregor also thinks that Berson will be ready for the speed of the Premiership at the second time of asking. Looked like he was ready the first time on the very few occasions he was given a chance!

McGregor said: ‘Hopefully he knows what it’s all about this time and can get up to speed much quicker.’