O'Leary in search of defenders

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has admitted he would like to bring in two more defenders as the clock ticks down to the closure of the January transfer window.

O’Leary has had only two recognised centre-backs at his disposal for most of the season, skipper Olof Mellberg and Ronny Johnsen, following the departure of the controversial Alpay.

It has meant having to use striker Dion Dublin as a makeshift central defender to enable the veteran Johnsen to take a breather.

But Swedish international Mellberg has been a virtual ever- present with O’Leary having no opportunity to rest him.

O’Leary said: “The fact that we had a centre-forward playing in defence (Dublin) tells you everything about our season.

“Olof Mellberg, Ronnie Johnsen and Dion Dublin have done a good job for us but you would ideally need another two people in that position particularly if you pick up injuries.

“I think that was where we were found wanting on Wednesday in the first leg of the Carling Cup at Bolton. Our defending let us down.”

O’Leary could find himself with only Mellberg remaining in the summer as both Dublin and Johnsen are out of contract and entitled to leave on free transfers.

He again reiterated the problems facing Villa in the summer when he will have to undertake a major rebuilding programme.

He said: “I've already spoken about about big decisions needing to be made at the end of the season and I stand by that.

“There will be a lot of rebuilding to be done. I don’t think we'll have more than maybe 11 or 12 senior professionals on the staff.

“When I came here, there were 26. Now there are 17 and there are six about to go next summer which means a lot of players have to come in next summer.”