West Brom head coach Roy Hodgson launched a scathing attack on Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton over a challenge on Baggies striker Shane Long which left him with suspected knee ligament damage.

HE’S packed a lot into his young career, including rejecting Manchester United and training with Aston Villa’s first team, but Waterford teenager Derrick Williams admits tonight’s test will be one of his toughest.

Birmingham are stepping up their attempts to appoint a quickfire replacement for Alex McLeish, who will be unveiled as Aston Villa’s new manager today.

Aston Villa are set to unveil new manager Alex McLeish later today and first team coach Gordon Cowans is looking forward to working with the former Birmingham boss.

STEPHEN IRELAND of Aston Villa has reiterated that he has no intention of playing international football for the Republic of Ireland again.

Gerard Houllier admits it will take time to stamp his mark on Aston Villa as he prepares to take charge for the first time in tomorrow’s home Carling Cup tie with Blackburn.

Aston Villa have confirmed that Gary McAllister has agreed to become assistant manager to Gerard Houllier.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has had his wish to embrace the club’s illustrious history granted by having framed photographs of the 1981 League Championship and 1982 European Cup-winning sides hung at the training ground.

DWIGHT YORKE has seen a “much calmer” Roy Keane since the Republic of Ireland icon took the managerial plunge with Sunderland.

ROY AITKEN is eager to succeed David O’Leary as Aston Villa manager but Alan Curbishley is believed to be chairman Doug Ellis’s number one target.

Mark Delaney and Aaron Hughes have praised Aston Villa’s “unsung heroes” in coaches Gordon Cowans, Kevin MacDonald and Tony McAndrew for producing a conveyor belt of young talent.

Steve McClaren must wish Middlesbrough could play Aston Villa after every European tie as George Boateng had the last laugh over the Holte End boo boys with a second-half winner.