Angel set to return

JUAN PABLO ANGEL is set to make a surprise return to the Villa side against West Brom on Sunday.

The Colombia striker has been recovering from a knee injury over the summer and made his comeback in a reserve match against Leeds on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old was not expected to feature in the first team until September, but manager David O’Leary suggests he could be on the bench for the West Midlands derby this weekend.

“I think what we’ll do now is see over the next few days,” said O’Leary.

“He’s training today and tomorrow and I wouldn’t rule him out of being on the bench on Sunday. We’ll judge over the next couple of days on that one and I hope that’s a boost. I know the fans will be delighted that their big favourite is back and that’s great for them,” he said.

Meantime, Villa will persist with attempts to sign James Beattie before the transfer window shuts at the end of the month.