Aston Villa welcome back internationals for Burnley trip (From This Is Lancashire)

Aston Villa welcome back internationals for Burnley trip

2:11pm Friday 20th November 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

ASTON Villa could welcome back Emile Heskey and James Collins from injury for tomorrow’s clash with Burnley at Turf Moor.

Heskey missed Villa’s 5-1 home win over Bolton Wanderers in their last match because of a back problem and was left out of England’s squad for their friendly against Brazil as a precaution.

Similarly, former West Ham United centre back Collins missed Wales’ 3-0 win over Scotland after pulling out of the Bolton game with a groin injury.

Both are now back in contention, although Heskey may have to be content with a place on the bench after Gabriel Agbonlahor and John Carew linked up well up front in his absence.

Collins’ availability, together with right back Habib Beye’s return from a one-match ban, is likely to give Villa a number of options in defence.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill said: “James Collins is going strongly and Emile, at this minute, has got a good chance.

“I think that the medical side are particularly pleased with their progress. I think they are on course.”

Although the two clubs have not met in the league since 1976, Villa’s previous visit to Turf Moor saw them lose 3-1 in the Carling Cup third round in 2004 thanks to goals from Graham Branch, Mo Camara and Jean-Louis Valois.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)