Aston Villa 2 Middlesbrough 0

Gavin McCann’s absence for the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery has left a gaping hole for Aston Villa manager David O’Leary ahead of the visit of Norwich.

Aston Villa were boosted by the return of defender Jlloyd Samuel and midfielder Gavin McCann who had missed the Christmas programme with groin and knee problems respectively.

Aston Villa have suffered a fresh injury blow with the loss of full-back Mark Delaney for tomorrow’s Premiership clash with Manchester United.

David O’Leary has challenged Mathieu Berson to prove he can cope with the demands of the Barclays Premiership when he finally makes his full Aston Villa debut at Chelsea on Boxing Day.

Middlesbrough 3 Aston Villa 0

Aston Villa’s new signing Mathieu Berson has revealed that he rejected offers from clubs in Spain and Turkey to become David O’Leary’s fourth summer signing.

ASTON VILLA moved closer to signing Mathieu Berson after his club Nantes conceded defeat in their bid to retain the midfielder.

Aston Villa moved closer to signing Mathieu Berson after his club Nantes conceded defeat in their bid to retain the midfielder.

ASTON VILLA boss David O’Leary has set his sights on the Barclays Premiership’s big guns after hitting back at the critics who labelled him a chequebook manager.

David O’Leary believes he is paying the price for Aston Villa’s past spending sprees on the likes of Stan Collymore, David Ginola and Alpay.

Nantes midfielder Mathieu Berson has begged the French club to let him join Aston Villa.

Former French Under-21 international Mathieu Berson is desperate for a move to Aston Villa, according to the player’s agent.

Nantes-born writer Jules Verne could not have penned a more thrilling match or exciting climax as Manchester United staged yet another one of their trademark finishes.