Soccer: Southgate keeps Villa place

Aston Villa central defender Gareth Southgate retains his place in the side for tomorrow’s clash at Newcastle United after resigning as club captain.

Villa will be skippered against Newcastle by former England international midfielder Paul Merson. Villa have Turkish international central defender Alpay back in the squad after missing the last three games.

Manager John Gregory also faces selection problems in midfield. Former Newcastle winger David Ginola and Lee Hendrie both starred as substitutes during Villa’s 3-2 win over Coventry. Gregory must also decide whether he can find a place in the starting line-up for £9.5m signing Juan Pablo Angel.

Angel, who finally broke his goalscoring duck for Villa against Coventry after his arrival from River Plate in January, is challenging Darius Vassell and Dion Dublin for a starting role.

Team (from): James, Delaney, Southgate, Barry, Wright, Merson, Taylor, Boateng, Hendrie, Ginola, Staunton, Vassell, Dublin, Alpay, Angel, Stone, Vassell, Enckelman.