Delaney blow for Villa

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

Wales international Delaney sustained a groin strain in Villa’s 1-0 St Stephen's Day defeat at Chelsea and could be out for a number of weeks.

His absence adds to Villa’s defensive problems with Martin Laursen and Jlloyd Samuel already out. The situation will worsen next week when Olof Mellberg sits out the trip to Crystal Palace through suspension.

Youngster Liam Ridgewell is set to continue at centre-half after a solid full debut at Stamford Bridge.

Mathieu Berson could retain his place in midfield in the absence of Gavin McCann after impressing boss David O’Leary against the Premiership leaders.

Striker Carlton Cole is eligible to return after the terms of his loan deal prevented him playing against parent club Chelsea.

Team (from): Sorensen, Mellberg, Barry, Hendrie, Angel, de la Cruz, Berson, Whittingham, Ridgewell, Davis, Postma, Solano, Drobny, L Moore, S Moore, Cole.