Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr made sweeping changes to his side for tonight’s friendly visit of Croatia to Lansdowne Road.

Aston Villa have terminated the contract of Croatian striker Bosko Balaban with immediate effect.

NEW manager David O’Leary has offered an olive branch to Aston Villa’s trio of unsettled players, telling them he is prepared to wipe the slate clean.

Aston Villa manager Graham Taylor will let chairman Doug Ellis and the board of directors decide whether they are prepared to “bite the bullet” and allow out-of-favour big money signings – such as Alpay and Bosko Balaban – to leave on free transfers.

John Gregory was today said to be ready to mount a ’fierce defence’ against any allegations of wrongdoing as the Football Association confirmed an investigation into transfers during his reign at Aston Villa.

Fulham 2

Half-time: Dinamo Zagreb 0 Fulham 1

Teams for today's Intertoto Cup third round second leg clash between Aston Villa and FC Zurich.

Italy v Croatia teams

Italy v Croatia teams

Peter Crouch will make his Aston Villa debut against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel hopes to return to action against his former club Manchester United in tomorrow’s noon showdown at Old Trafford.

Aston Villa manager John Gregory is preparing to make major changes to his side for Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie with in-form Manchester United at Villa Park.

Aston Villa are in danger of being without midfielder Lee Hendrie for tomorrow’s clash with Tottenham.

Aston Villa midfielder Hassan Kachloul has been ruled out of tomorrow’s clash with Derby County at Pride Park.

Aston Villa have right-back Mark Delaney and midfielder Mustapha Hadji under treatment in the build-up to Sunday’s clash with Leeds United at Elland Road.

Aston Villa central defender Olof Mellberg is set to miss the FA Barclaycard Premiership clash against Bolton at Villa Park tomorrow.

Liverpool have kept Owen on the bench for their third Premirship game of the season.

Aston Villa manager John Gregory has revealed he faces a significant delay in his bid to land Croatia international striker Bosko Balaban.

Millwall midfielder Steven Reid - capped four times by England at Under-16 level - will make his international debut for the Republic of Ireland tomorrow.