O'Leary praises Ridgewell

Aston Villa manager David O’Leary has praised “the great character” shown by centre-back Liam Ridgewell, who is poised to sign a new three-year contract with the midlands club.

Ridgewell was not O’Leary’s first choice at the start of the 2005/2006 season, but injuries to the likes of Martin Laursen, Mark Delaney and skipper Olof Mellberg meant he started 33 games.