Angel set to play through pain barrier

Juan Pablo Angel is ready to defy his ankle problem for the remainder of the season and re-ignite his partnership with Darius Vassell to help Aston Villa’s push for a European spot.

Villa’s club record signing was recently laid low for two games after suffering the injury in training last month.

And the Colombian international admitted he was troubled by the ankle from the early stages of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with West Brom.

But Angel is prepared to play on with Villa only four points off seventh place in the Premiership – the position that could secure a UEFA Cup if Manchester United and Arsenal reach the FA Cup final.

Angel said: “I’m still having problems with my ankle. The very first ball I jumped with the keeper for on Sunday saw me land on my ankle and twist it a little bit.

“The ankle is going to be like that for the next few games but I hope to be fit and play a part in getting us into Europe. I don’t need an operation but it is sore.

“It’s been a disappointing season goal-wise – although I’ve had injuries - and I hope I can finish strongly.”

Angel and Vassell have hardly played together this season with one or the other being sidelined after propelling Villa into the top six last season.

Angel said: “I’m happy that Darius is back after his long lay-off with his broken ankle. We haven’t been able to play together as much as we would have liked this season.

“But you can tell that we really understand each other and we need to build that partnership again because it’s done well during the last few seasons.”

Meanwhile, defender Martin Laursen believes Liam Ridgewell will learn the lessons of his sending off for violent conduct after a clash with Jonathan Greening against the Baggies.

The pair both received their marching orders after eyeballing each other although the contact was minimal between them.

Laursen said: “I think Liam will regret what he did but he is a young player and he will learn from what he did.

“Hopefully he will know not to be drawn into situations like that. As a young player you will make mistakes, but you must learn from those mistakes and I’m sure Liam will do that.

“He was playing well and we will miss him for three games now which is a real blow to us, especially with Olof Mellberg out injured.”