Moore the merrier for Villa boss

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill has admitted there is intense competition for places up front now Luke Moore has recovered from a shoulder problem.

Moore had been sidelined since aggravating a long-term injury against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in late September and underwent surgery in America.

But the England Under-21 striker has proved his fitness by taking part in three full reserve matches in the past three weeks.

He will now be challenging newcomers John Carew and Ashley Young plus Juan Pablo Angel and Gabriel Agbonlahor for a place in attack against Fulham in Villa’s next match on March 3.

O’Neill said: “Luke getting back to fitness will be a boost for us. It means competition for places which never does any harm.

“When you’ve had a two-month period of the side basically picking itself and where you have been struggling to fill the bench, it is nice finally to have competition.

“Luke did really well for us in a wide role at the start of the season and we’ve got options up front.”

Moore was employed in a wide left role in a 4-5-1 formation with Agbonlahor on the right flank and Angel the central striker in Villa’s lengthy unbeaten start to the campaign.