Delaney hopes to be right back for Villa

Aston Villa defender Mark Delaney is hoping his injury nightmare is finally behind him as he prepares to battle with Aaron Hughes for the right-back spot in Monday’s Barclays Premiership clash with Manchester City at Eastlands.

Delaney has been one of Villa’s most consistent performers since his arrival from Cardiff City nearly six years ago but the Welsh international has been dogged by recent knee problems.