Pires could make Villa bow

Robert Pires could make his Aston Villa debut in Sunday’s Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Pires, who has signed a six-month deal with Villa, has declared himself fit enough to play some part against Rovers after training with former club Arsenal for the past two months.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier will check on the fitness of striker Gabriel Agbonlahor (shin), midfielder Ciaran Clark (calf) and central defender Richard Dunne (knee).

Provisional squad: Friedel, Guzan, Luke Young, Beye, Collins, Dunne, Cuellar, Warnock, Albrighton, Banning, Pires, Ireland, Hogg, Downing, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Delfouneso, Lowry, Lichaj, Herd, Johnson.