Curtis Davies’ hopes of finally forcing his way into the Aston Villa side for the forthcoming festive programme have suffered an injury setback.

Martin O’Neill is refusing to give up hope of persuading long-serving defender Olof Mellberg to stay at Aston Villa and sign a new contract.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has lined up talks with Martin Laursen’s agent in a bid to sort out the future of the Denmark defender whose current deal expires next summer.

Martin O’Neill has revealed his desire for Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg to sign a new contract after hailing his form as a makeshift right-back.

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill will hold talks with a clutch of first-team players to resolve their long-term futures before the transfer deadline closes on August 31.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is confident defender Olof Mellberg will put pen to paper on a new contract sooner rather than later.

Aston Villa will open new contract talks with experienced duo Olof Mellberg and Gavin McCann early next month.

Martin O’Neill will not let Olof Mellberg and Gavin McCann enter the final year of their Aston Villa contracts without discussing extensions with the pair.

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has praised “the great character” shown by centre-back Liam Ridgewell, who is poised to sign a new three-year contract with the midlands club.

Aston Villa skipper Olof Mellberg is hoping to make his latest comeback against Manchester City on Tuesday.

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary is keeping his fingers crossed that rookie defender Liam Ridgewell can stand up to the demands of playing four games in eight days during the festive programme.

Aston Villa skipper Olof Mellberg could return to fitness in time for the derby clash with West Brom on January 2.

David O’Leary has admitted he will only be able to bring in loan signings during the January transfer window, with his number one target a central defender.

Juan Pablo Angel is expected to feature for Aston Villa tomorrow night in a reserve clash with Leeds.

Mark Delaney has hailed the contribution of goalkeeper Thomas Sorsensen in his first season at Aston Villa – even though it has meant receiving the same kind of ear-bashing that used to be handed out by Peter Schmeichel.

David O’Leary sang the praises of his recalled skipper Olof Mellberg whose towering display prevented Liverpool spoiling the Villa Park party.

ASTON Villa skipper Steve Staunton has revealed the ‘‘hurt’’ he felt at being dropped by manager Graham Taylor for the recent derby clash with West Brom at The Hawthorns.

Aston Villa have moved to allay fears that central defender Olof Mellberg will require an operation to cure his Achilles problem.