1-Nigel Martyn
3 - Ian Harte
21 - Dominic Matteo
29 - Rio Ferdinand
18 - Danny Mills
7 - Seth Johnson
4 - Olivier Dacourt
19 - Eirik Bakke
23 - David Batty
17 - Alan Smith
7 - Robbie Keane
Aston Villa
1-Peter Schmeichel
2 - Mark Delaney
3 - Alan Wright
4 - Olof Mellberg
5 - Alpay Ozalan
18 - Steve Stone
6 - George Boateng
17 - Lee Hendrie
30 - Hassan Kachloul
8 - Juan Pablo Angel
22 - Darius Vassell
Recent Form...
Leeds form L W D D D W
Aston Villa form D L W W L W
Tartozom két szomorú eredménnyel, ezt a mai nagyon húzós meccs előtt pótolom!
Newcastle 3 Aston Villa 0
Bellamy 37
Shearer 49
Bellamy 81
Newcastle
1 - Shay Given
18 - Aaron Hughes
5 - Andrew O'Brien
34 - Nikos Dabizas
3 - Robbie Elliott
4 - Nolberto Solano
11 - Gary Speed
7 - Robert Lee
32 - Laurent Robert
(Olivier Bernard 85)
17 - Craig Bellamy
9 - Alan Shearer
Villa
1 - Peter Schmeichel
2 - Mark Delaney
5 - Alpay Ozalan
11 - Steve Staunton
3 - Alan Wright
20 - Moustapha Hadji
17 - Lee Hendrie
(Ian Taylor 59)
6 - George Boateng
30 - Hassan Kachloul
22 - Darius Vassell
8 - Juan Pablo Angel
(Dion Dublin 60)
Yellow Cards: Mark Delaney 20 , Hassan Kachloul 35 , Alpay Ozalan 44
Red Cards: None
Aston Villa 0 Middlesbrough 0
Villa
1 - Peter Schmeichel
2 - Mark Delaney
(Ian Taylor 14)
3 - Alan Wright
4 - Olof Mellberg
5 - Alpay Ozalan
18 - Steve Stone
6 - George Boateng
17 - Lee Hendrie
30 - Hassan Kachloul
(David Ginola 71)
8 - Juan Pablo Angel
22 - Darius Vassell
Jól szerepeltek a Villa légiósai a válogatottakban. Bár az angol válogatottban nem lépett pályára senki, Alfie (Alpay) a meccs egyik legjobbja volt a sógorok ellen, Boateng pedig végigjátszotta debütáló meccsét a holland válogatottban. Mellberg sérülése miatt, Angel eltiltás miatt hiányzott a svédektől, illetve a kolumbiaiaktól. Staunton szintén remekül játszott az irániak ellen, Barry pedig sérüléséből felgyógyulva újra játszott az U21-ben. Balaban a második félidőben jutott szóhoz a Dél-Korea ellen, csodát nem tett. Az U19-ben három Villa Youth is szerepet kapott; még mondja valaki, hogy nincs utánpótlásunk.
Egyébként elképzelhető, hogy Hendrie hamarosan szerepet kap majd a válogatottban Gerrard mellett (vagy helyett), és Mersont is kitalálták már (Limpar) a bal szélre Macca helyett. Én benne lennék...
Remélem, hogy igazad lesz, jól sikerült a mostani erősítés, Alpay mellett Mellberg is jó vétel volt a védelembe Southgate helyett. A középpályán jó harciasak a marokkóiak, Hendrie kezd beérni, a támadósorban pedig JPA magára talált, szerintem őt nem tudjuk sokáig megtartani. Vassel is kezd válogatott formába lendülni.
meg az ev elejen (1. fordulo) tettem 1 megjegyzest a "nagytopicban", h a villat iden kulonosen erosnek erzem (nemutolsosorban alpay miatt:). remelem a lendulet nem fogy el!
Aston Villa 3 Bolton Wanderers 2
Angel 13
Vassell 42
Angel 47 pen
Ricketts 1
Ricketts 75
Match Report
Villa came from behind to sink plucky Bolton and go top of the Premiership table, with goals from Juan Pablo Angel (2) and Darius Vassell.
And, though John Gregory will be quick to point out that there's a long, long way to go, top after ten games, with just one defeat, represents an outstanding start to the season.
The Villa boss made just one change from the midweek win against Charlton.
Juan Pablo Angel returned in attack, replacing Dion Dublin.
Skipper Paul Merson was again on the bench, with Gareth Barry once more not among the 16.
Kachloul, obviously boosted by his first Villa goal on Wednesday was on target with a long-range effort in the opening minute.
Moments later though, Bolton had the lead. With just 71 seconds on the clock, Michael Ricketts sprang the offside trap and took his time before slotting past Peter Schmeichel.
The goal was followed by a series of uncharacteristic unforced errors from Villa as they struggled to find any early rhythm.
Hadji's header across goal almost created an opening for Vassell on five, but Bergsson was on hand to clear for the visitors.
The Bolton defenders were nowhere to be seen on 13 though as Steve Staunton swung over a corner and Juan Pablo Angel rose unmarked to head Villa level.
Kachloul should have doubled his tally for the season on 23 as he attempted to direct Staunton's free-kick goalwards - his effort from the edge of the box flew wide.
Hendrie came within inches of grabbing the lead three minutes later, seeing one effort cleared by Bergsson a follow-up attempt fly narrowly wide.
Villa shouts for a penalty were ignored on 28 as Diawara appeared to bundle Vassell over in the box. Referee Eddie Wolstenholme shook his head and waved play on.
Two minutes later Diawara was in the thick of things at the other end, exchanging passes with Ricketts, before Alpay reacted well to clear the danger.
Staunton let fly from 30-yards out in the 35th minute, but saw his effort go just over the bar.
Ricketts and Gardner pounced on a defensive mix-up five minutes before the interval, but Wright did well to clear the danger. Seconds later Charlton had to be alert to clear Kachloul's cross as Villa countered.
Two minutes later though Villa had the lead. Angel played a perfectly weighted ball through to Vassell and the England Under-21 ace shrugged of the attentions of Bergsson to slot home.
Almost immediately Alpay had to be at his best to clear Nolan's right-wing cross as Bolton looked to level matters before the break.
Ricketts should have done just that seconds into stoppage-time, but shot straight at Schmeichel from six-yards out.
Villa did just what Bolton had done in the first-half and grabbed a goal just seconds into the second period. The referee spotted a push on Hadji and Angel made absolutely no mistake from the spot.
JPA almost completed a hat-trick on 50, turning neatly in the box, but saw his well-struck effort tipped over by Banks in the Bolton goal.
Two minutes later Hendrie volleyed over the bar and it was hard to believe Bolton had opened the scoring in this match. Alpay even got in on the act, running the length of the pitch, but was unable to get a shot in.
At the other end, former Villa player Farrelly saw an effort deflected wide, while Ricketts headed onto the roof of the net on 60, when he should have at least tested Schmeichel.
The Dane was tested four minutes later. Bolton substitute Wallace raced onto Frandsen's through-ball and the Villa No1 did well to save at his near-post.
Hendrie almost made it 4-1 on 73, with a half-volley from the edge of the box that Banks did well to tip around the post.
Seconds later it was 3-2 as Ricketts grabbed his second of the afternoon.
Gardner showed a real turn of pace to sprint away down the left. His cross was easily slotted away by Ricketts at the near-post.
Merson almost made the perfect return to action on 77. Just three minutes after replacing the injured Vassell, Villa's skipper met Hadji's cross and volleyed narrowly wide.
Holdsworth should have drawn the visitors level two minutes later, but headed onto the roof of the net from close-range. Kachloul then shot tamely at Banks on 82 as Villa looked to restore the two-goal lead.
Bergsson will wonder how he failed to level matters on 87, coming within inches of Ricketts' far-post cross. That was the last chance of the afternoon and Villa had done enougbh to go top of the Premiership.
Villa
1 - Peter Schmeichel
2 - Mark Delaney
5 - Alpay Ozalan
11 - Steve Staunton
3 - Alan Wright
20 - Mustapha Hadji
6 - George Boateng
17 - Lee Hendrie
(Ian Taylor 86)
30 - Hassan Kachloul
8 - Juan Pablo Angel
(Dion Dublin 72)
22 - Darius Vassell
(Paul Merson 72)
Bolton
1 - Steve Banks
2 - Bruno N'Gotty
(Anthony Barness 91)
4 - Gudni Bergsson
23 - Djibril Diawara
25 - Simon Charlton
7 - Bo Hansen
(Rod Wallace 45)
15 - Kevin Nolan
8 - Per Frandsen
14 - Gareth Farrelly
(Dean Holdsworth 72)
11 - Ricardo Gardner
17 - Michael Ricketts
Yellow Cards: Hassan Kachloul 24 , Alpay Ozalan 49
Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: Djibril Diawara 23 , Michael Ricketts 47 , Simon Charlton 64
Red Cards: None
Hassan Kachloul's first Villa goal was enough to secure the three points and send Villa up to the dizzy heights of third in the Premiership table.
And the victory, Villa's fifth of the season, was no more than John Gregory's men deserved - particularly after a sparkling first-half display against The Addicks.
The big surprise was the last minute withdrawal of Juan Pablo Angel, with a suspected ankle injury. Dion Dublin returned to the starting line-up, partnering Darius Vassell.
Kachloul was back from injury and replaced Ian Taylor in the only other change from Saturday's starting 11.
Kachloul created the first half chance in the fourth minute, cutting in from the left, but his cross just failed to find Vassell at the back post.
Seconds later Hendrie's right-foot shot from the edge of the box was well held by Kiely in the Charlton goal. Hendrie, Wright and Kachloul then combined well down the Villa left, but the latter's cross was easily collected by Kiely.
Villa grabbed the lead on nine, Kachloul rifling home his first for the club from close range after Vassell had seen his header from a Staunton corner cleared off the line.
Three minutes later Dublin deflected Staunton's free-kick straight at Kiely - a foot either side and the Charlton keeper would surely have struggled.
Then Vassell headed narrowly wide from Hadji's right-wing cross.
Hendrie was the next to try his luck, turning neatly in the box and firing just over the bar on 15. Dublin then fired a mis-hit goal-kick straight back at Kiely.
Johansson had Charlton's first effort on goal in the 17th minute, just missing the target from the edge of the box with a dipping half-volley.
Hendrie volleyed over the bar from Hadji's cross on 26 and a minute later Vassell should have made it 2-0, shooting straight at Kiely as Dublin's shot was deflected into his path.
Young denied Kachloul the chance of a second on 33, just nicking the ball off the Moroccan as he turned on the edge of the six-yard box.
Three minutes later Dublin came within inches of doubling Villa's lead.
Chasing a lost cause, he headed Kiely's clearance straight back at goal, but the ball flew just wide.
Hadji then fired over from distance. Kachloul, enjoying his best game yet in a Villa shirt, fired narrowly wide on 38 after exchanging passes with Hendrie down the left.
Hadji almost embarrassed Kiely with an audacious attempt from the halfway line in the 42nd minute, but the Charlton No1 just got back onto his line to collect the ball under the crossbar.
Vassell fired onto the roof of the net three minutes after the interval as Villa looked to pick-up where they had left off in the first half.
The England Under-21 striker then just failed to connect with Delaney's well-measured cross from the left.
Hendrie fired over from the edge of the box on 56. Dublin was the next to try his luck and saw his fiercely struck 25-yard shot tipped just over the bar by Kiely.
Dublin, making the most of his chance in the starting line-up then almost opened the way for Vassell with a neat back-heel on 65, but the ball just ran away from the young striker.
The game went slightly flat midway through the second period, with Villa creating their share of half chances, without really threatening to add to the scoreline.
Charlton were doing little to suggest they might get themselves back on level terms, although Parker did fire just over from distance on 86.
Jason Euell then almost pounced on a rare Schmeichel slip, but Staunton cleared for Villa.
Villa
1 - Peter Schmeichel
2 - Mark Delaney
5 - Alpay Ozalan
11 - Steve Staunton
3 - Alan Wright
6 - George Boateng
17 - Lee Hendrie
(Ian Taylor 70)
20 - Mustapha Hadji
30 - Hassan Kachloul
9 - Dion Dublin
22 - Darius Vassell
Charlton
1 - Dean Kiely
19 - Luke Young
18 - Paul Konchesky
36 - Mark Fish
12 - Steve Brown
3 - Chris Powell
(Gavin Peacock 85)
17 - Scott Parker
20 - Claus Jensen
(John Robinson 69)
8 - Mark Kinsella
37 - Shaun Bartlett
(Jason Euell 45)
21 - Jonatan Johansson
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
LONDON, October 18 (DS) - Aston Villa FC midfielder Lee Hendrie announced he is going to stay in the club for another five years.
"I'm glad it's all done and dusted. I have said all along that Villa is the club I love and the one I want to play for", he said.
There were still 20 months till the end of his current contract with Aston Villa FC. Before starting negotiations with the club, Hendrie said that the club officials want him to sign a new deal.
Villa coach John Gregory said Hendrie had informed him about the new deal.
"I am absolutely delighted because it means that Lee can now concentrate 100% on the football side of things. It can be a distraction to a player when this sort of thing is left hanging around and I was hoping it would have all been completed before now. But at last it has been settled. Lee has been in excellent form this season, personally I think he is in the most consistent form of his career. I have said that he should try and book his place in the England squad for next summer's World Cup finals and now he can concentrate 100% on trying to achieve that aim", commented Gregory.
LONDON, Oct 18 (AFP)
Aston Villa are interested in signing on loan until the end of the season, French international midfielder Johan Micoud from Italian side Parma, manager John Gregory said.
Gregory has drawn up a list of possible targets and admitted his interest in Micoud after Sunday's 2-0 home success over Fulham.
But club secretary Steve Stride insisted that no deal had been clinched for the player who was part of France's squad for their 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 triumphs.
Stride said: "John Gregory's view is that Micoud is one of many players that we are keeping tabs on.
"But there's nothing imminent. I think what has basically happened is that John said he had this list of six players that he is looking closely at - and people are trying to fill in the gaps."
Gregory is keen to add to his squad from a position of strength with Villa in fourth spot in the Premiership - three points behind current leaders Leeds with a game in hand.
But it is understood he has only sufficient funds at his disposal to be able to make one major signing after landing Olof Mellberg, Bosko Balaban, Peter Schmeichel, Hassan Kachloul and Mustapha Hadji in the summer.
VILLA returned to fourth in the Premiership table as Darius Vassell
continued his recent impressive form and Ian Taylor made a fairytale return
to first team action.
The pair both struck second-half goals as John Gregory's men collected three
deserved points and continued the unbeaten start to the league campaign.
Vassell gave Villa a pre-match boost by shrugging-off an ankle knock, to start alongside Juan Pablo Angel.
Mark Delaney failed to recover from the neck injury sustained in the
Worthington Cup win against Reading, meaning Steve Stone was drafted into
the starting line-up.
The other real boost for Villa was the inclusion of Taylor on the
substitutes bench. Taylor recently returned to full fitness after summer
knee surgery.
John Gregory was presented with his September Manager-of-the-Month Award
before kick-off, while in-form striker Juan Pablo Angel received the
BRMB/Capital Gold Player-of-the-Month accolade.
Steve Marlet headed wide on 90 seconds as the visitors made a bright start
to their first top-flight Villa Park visit in over 30 years.
Steve Finnan had to be at his best to deny Angel as the Colombian
international had Villa's first chance on five. The defender slid in to
block as Angel shot from a Vassell lay-off. Moments later Angel just failed
to make contact with an acrobatic overhead effort from the edge of the box.
Marlet should have given Fulham the lead on 11, after finding space behind
the Villa back four. The striker though fired past the advancing Schmeichel
and into the side-netting.
Taylor entered the fray after just 16 minutes, replacing the injured Hassan
Kachloul, to make his first Premiership appearance of the campaign.
Legwinski fired tamely wide on 17 after Malbranque pounced on a Stone
mistake to launch a counter attack for Fulham.
Hadji, making his third successive Premiership start, was lively for Villa
down the right, while Hendrie looked comfortable after switching to the left
flank.
Schmeichel produced a world-class block on 28 as Saha looked to bundle
Finnan's right-wing cross over the line. Wright headed off the line from the
resulting corner.
Three minutes later Boateng almost broke the deadlock for Villa. Twisting
and turning on the edge of the box, the Dutch ace saw his goalbound effort
palmed wide by compatriot Van Der Sar.
Vassell dragged his shot wide of the upright five minutes before the break,
after combining with Taylor to dispossess Brevett. He should perhaps have
squared for Taylor who had continued a run and was unmarked in the box.
Vassell gave Villa the lead on 51 with his sixth goal of the season, sliding
in at the far-post to direct Hadji's right-wing cross beyond Van Der Sar.
Hedrie deserved much credit for the goal after powering in from the left to
start the move.
As Villa upped the tempo, Boateng might have made it 2-0 on 56, going just
wide with a diving header from Wright's left-wing cross. Angel was then off
target with another acrobatic effort three minutes later.
Ian Taylor then marked his return to Premiership action to give Villa a
two-goal cushion on 61. He calmly slotted past Van Der Sar after latching
onto Angel's incisive through-ball.
That telling pass represented JPA's last contribution to the afternoon and
he was replaced by Bosko Balaban before the restart.
Jean Tigana threw caution to the wind with a treble substitution on 65,
bringing Goma, Boa Morte and Hayles into the action. The latter quickly
tested Schmeichel from distance, as did Saha, but the Villa No1 was equal to
both efforts.
Hadji then fired wide from distance on 76, before Malbranque sliced wide,
when he should have done better, at the other end. Boa Morte also failed to
get a shot on target, firing wide on 80.
Fulham then failed to grab a lifeline on 85 as Saha fired wide from the
penalty spot to frustrate the Londoners. Four minutes later Legwinski headed
straight at Schmeichel when it was easier to score and Tigana must have
known it was just going to be one of those afternoons.
If he had any slim lingering hopes, they were shattered on 90 as Malbranque
fired well over from the edge of the box. Again he should have at least
tested Schmeichel.
Aston Villa
1 - Peter Schmeichel
18 - Steve Stone
5 - Alpay Ozalan
11 - Steve Staunton
3 - Alan Wright
20 - Mustapha Hadji
17 - Lee Hendrie
6 - George Boateng
30 - Hassan Kachloul
(Ian Taylor 15)
8 - Juan Pablo Angel
(Bosko Balaban 62)
22 - Darius Vassell
Fukham
1 - Edwin Van der Sar
2 - Steve Finnan
4 - Andy Melville
16 - Zat Knight
(Alain Goma 65)
3 - Rufus Brevett
10 - John Collins
14 - Steed Malbranque
23 - Sean Davis
(Barry Hayles 65)
20 - Sylvain Legwinski
20 - Louis Saha
9 - Steve Marlet
(Luis Boa Morte 66)
A GOAL FROM substitute Dion Dublin in first half injury time put Villa into the fourth round of the Worthington at the expense of battling Reading at Villa Park.
Dublin entered the fray after an injury to Mark Delaney. He then converted from close range after David Ginola’s corner had been returned into the danger area by Hassan Kachloul.
Victory brought relief for manager John Gregory who saw his side labour against their second division opponents: “We didn’t play with too much fluency and there were too many passes that went astray, but at least we’re through,” he said.
Villa were forced into a re-shuffle when Mark Delaney was stretchered off after an accidental collision. Delaney was hit in the head by a flying knee as he made a challenge inside the area. After several minutes of treatment, he was taken away with his head and neck immobilised.
Thankfully, fears of an immediate trip to hospital proved unfounded and Delaney watched the remainder of the match before being allowed home.
Unfortunately for Villa, Dublin’s goal failed to spark a second half onslaught and it was Reading who intensified their threat at the start of the second half.
Villa’s enforced change meant Moustapha Hadji played in the unaccustomed position of right back, but despite bouts of second half pressure, Reading failed to breakthrough Villa’s rearguard and Dublin’s goal confirmed a place in round four for Villa.
Villa
1 - Peter Schmeichel
2 - Mark Delaney
(Dion Dublin 27)
5 - Alpay Ozalan
11 - Steve Staunton
3 - Alan Wright
20 - Mustapha Hadji
6 - George Boateng
17 - Lee Hendrie
30 - Hassan Kachloul
8 - Juan Pablo Angel
(Bosko Balaban 86)
14 - David Ginola
Reading
1 - Phil Whitehead
18 - Adrian Whitbread
(Matt Robinson 80)
5 - Adi Viveash
8 - Adie Williams
10 - Nicky Forster
15 - James Harper
16 - Phil Parkinson
(Darius Henderson 70)
17 - Neil Smith
7 - Anthony Rougier
(Jamie Cureton 80)
9 - Martin Butler
28 - Nicky Shorey
Yellow Cards: Mustapha Hadji 18 , Alan Wright 36 , George Boateng 68
Red Cards: None
Yellow Cards: Phil Parkinson 39
Red Cards: None
JOHN GREGORY has today been announced as September's Barclaycard Manager of the Month for September.
He wins the award after an undefeated start to the Premiership season and a sequence in September which saw Villa beat Liverpool and Southampton 3-1 away, overcome Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at home and draw with Sunderland 0-0 at Villa Park.
The decision was made by the Barclaycard Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football's governing bodies, the media and fans.
Barclaycard’s Award Panel said: "It is testament to the managerial skills of John Gregory that Villa remain undefeated since the start of the season, especially when you consider they have faced the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.
"Gregory has got Villa playing attractive, attacking football with Angel finding his scoring boots and Peter Schmeichel keeping them out at the other end. If Gregory continues this current form there is no reason why his side shouldn’t be aiming for a top three finish."
The boss himself was understandably delighted with the award, but immediately dedicated the success to his players and staff.
"The players have worked hard to give us a healthy start to the season and special mention must go to my senior staff; John Deehan, Eric Steele, Jim Walker and Alan Smith.
"I’d also like to acknowledge the part played by all the Villa fans who have made sure it has been a truly collective team effort."
MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Juan Pablo Angel (Aston Villa)
The Colombian will have impressed John Gregory as much with his willingness to work as his expertly-taken goal.
Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis has warned John Gregory that he has no more money to spend on new players.
The Villa boss believes he needs another two players to turn Villa into a top six side, but Ellis is planning to keep the purse strings closed for now.
Ellis told Sky Sports News: "Managers always want two more players, but we've just had five more this season.
"The total cost since February is Ł25million going out and Ł11million coming back."
Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt is believed to be among the two players Gregory is targeting.
Gregory said: "We never stop looking and I still feel we need at least two more players if we are going to pursue the good start we have had.
"It's not about the size of the squad - it's about the depth of quality and I want to have the quality of squad improved.
"I don't want the first 11 to pick itself. I want myself to have a real headache over who to bring in, who to leave out."
Aston Villa - Blackburn Rovers 2-0
Angel 46'
Vassell 72'
Mindkét gólnál az assziszt Hendrie-től érkezett. Remélem sikerül 1 hosszútávú szerződéssel a csapathoz kötni az óriási tehetséget. Fontos lenne. Hendrie rules!
Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has admitted he is no closer to signing a new deal with the Midlands club.
It had been hoped the midfielder would sign a five-year contract to keep him at Villa Park until the summer of 2006.
The 24-year-old has just under two years left on his contract but opened talks about a new deal last season.
The negotiations were put on hold over the summer, although Aston Villa indicated they were hopeful of securing his future at the club.
This has been going on for such a long time - I just want to get it sorted
Lee Hendrie
But the latest contract offer from Villa had been rejected by Hendrie's advisors.
"We are a long way apart," said the player.
Hendrie said he would love to stay at the club, with whom he has been associated since the age of 14.
"There is no-one else I would really want to play for. This is the club I have always supported," he said.
"But I have to admit that at the moment we are a long way apart on a new deal."
Villa boss John Gregory has said he sees the former Villa schoolboy and trainee as a future captain at the club.
Leeds and Liverpool are understood to be monitoring the situation, and in the summer he was linked with both Rangers and Celtic.
Ha a Villa magyar csapat lenne, azt mondhatnánk, hogy emelt fővel búcsúztunk. Csak hát az az igazság, hogy a Villa jobb csapat, mint a Varteks. És ezt Gregory b@szta el az első meccsen.
Aston Villa boss John Gregory has told Gareth Barry that he does have a future at the club.
The 21-year-old centre-back, who won his place in the England squad whilst under the management of Kevin Keegan, has failed to win a regular place in the Villa squad this season - starting just one game. Despite his lack of first-team action Gregory insists the emphasis is on the youngster to prove himself at every opportunity.
"Whatever his thoughts are he just needs to work hard and wait for an opportunity. It will come all of a sudden. It is almost a year since he played for England against France and now he finds himself out of the Villa team."
"He has enjoyed a fairytale rise to the top and he has to take every opportunity that comes his way to try and force his way back into the team. I have often said that I don't select the team, I just write the names down because what the players do makes me select them."
"Players do get hiccups and there are not very many who go through their careers where everything goes right over a period of seven or eight years. Most of them get involved in a three-year cycle when players peak at 26, 27 or 28."
"It is difficult to know how he is feeling because when he made his debut against Arsenal you did not know whether he was excited or nervous."