Delph and Beye in for O’Neill

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill handed full debuts to new signings Fabian Delph and Habib Beye for today’s Barclays Premier League opener at home to Wigan.

Midfielder Stiliyan Petrov was passed fit to start after recovering from a dislocated shoulder and was named as captain – while Emile Heskey and Gabriel Agbonlahor started up front, meaning a place on the bench for John Carew.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez also handed full debuts to two new recruits, Honduran midfielder Hendry Thomas and Jordi Gomez, who played under the new manager at Swansea last season.

Jason Scotland, another former Swans star, had be content with a place on the bench as Martinez elected to play just one striker – Hugo Rodallega getting the nod to lead the line.