McCann in race for fitness

Aston Villa midfielder Gavin McCann is battling to be fit for tomorrow's visit of Premiership leaders Manchester United.

McCann has been unable to train since suffering a hamstring injury against Bolton last weekend, but manager Martin O'Neill will give him until the last possible moment to make himself available.

If McCann is ruled out, young midfielder Craig Gardner could make his first start of the season after impressing as a substitute against the Trotters.

That is likely to be the only possible change with O'Neill happy with his side's performance against Bolton despite them suffering a single-goal defeat.

Provisional squad: Kiraly, Olejnik, Mellberg, Hughes, Cahill, Ridgewell, Samuel, Bouma, Barry, Agbonlahor, Petrov, McCann, Gardner, Davis, Angel, Baros, Sutton, Agathe, Whittingham.