Samuel doubtful for Villa

Jlloyd Samuel is Aston Villa’s major injury doubt for Sunday’s home Premiership match with Newcastle.

The former England Under-21 defender sustained a thigh injury during Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Reading at Villa Park which forced him to be substituted in the second period.

If Samuel is ruled out, Peter Whittingham is his likely replacement after coming off the substitutes’ bench to set up the winning goal for skipper Gareth Barry.

Wilfred Bouma and Gary Cahill are still unlikely to be fit but Martin O’Neill will assess Mark Delaney after he was laid low with a virus.

Team (from): Sorensen, Hughes, Mellberg, Ridgewell, Samuel, Whittingham, Davis, Barry, McCann, Agbonlahor, Moore, Angel, Taylor, Laursen, Hendrie, Delaney, Djemba-Djemba.