Injury setback for Berger

Aston Villa midfielder Patrik Berger has suffered a recurrence of his hamstring problem in training.

The Czech international, who earned a new 12-month contract on the strength of his displays during the second half of last season, was initially injured in pre-season.

He made his comeback in the Carling Cup tie with Leicester but has now had a further setback and undergone a scan.

Villa manager Martin O’Neill said: “Patrik is feeling a lot better and the scans have given us half decent news. We’ll see how things go.”

Midfielder Shaun Maloney is expected to be fit for Saturday’s home Premier League clash with West Ham.

The former Celtic player was ruled out of the 4-4 draw at Tottenham with an ankle injury suffered against Leicester.

But he is set to be in contention to face the Hammers

O’Neill said: “Shaun will be fit with a bit of luck. He was looking quite good for Spurs and then on Sunday he just didn’t feel right.”