McLeish waits on Bent, Warnock and Petrov

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish will check on the fitness of three key players ahead of tomorrow’s home Carling Cup clash with Bolton.

Record signing Darren Bent (groin), defender Stephen Warnock (hip) and skipper Stiliyan Petrov (ankle) were all injured during the weekend draw with Newcastle.

McLeish intends to play his strongest available team but the likes of Stephen Ireland and Marc Albrighton could come into contention if he is forced into changes.

Provisional squad: Given, Guzan, Hutton, Beye, Herd, Dunne, Collins, Clark, Warnock, Baker, N’Zogbia, Bannan, Petrov, Delph, Ireland, Albrighton, Agbonlahor, Bent, Delfouneso, Lowry, Gardner.