2:11pm Friday 20th November 2009
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.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk