Laursen returns for Villa

Martin Laursen gave Aston Villa a boost by declaring himself fit for the home Premiership clash with Bolton.

Laursen had shaken off a knee problem and his recall enabled Jlloyd Samuel to revert to left-back and Gareth Barry to push forward into his more accustomed midfield slot.

Lee Hendrie was left out of the side and named as one of the substitutes but this was understood to be a tactical move by David O’Leary rather than because of him being involved in an alleged head-butting incident.

Darius Vassell was restored up front in place of Carlton Cole as Villa chased back to back wins for the first time in five months.

Bolton manager Sam Allardyce made two changes from the side held at home by Southampton with Ricardo Gardner and Kevin Davies replacing Vincent Candela and Kevin Nolan respectively.