Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Injury Blow For Barry

Aston Villa skipper Gareth Barry is battling to maintain his ever-present record this season after the England midfielder suffered a blow to his hip in training.

Villa are awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of the problem ahead of Monday's Premier League clash at Liverpool.

Barry has played every minute of every game during the current campaign.

Meanwhile, defender Gary Cahill is attracting plenty of interest with Birmingham, Bolton, Wigan, Sunderland, Fulham and Derby all believed to be in the hunt for the player.

Cahill, who has slipped down the pecking order at Villa, has just completed a loan spell with Sheffield United.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill would prefer to do a straight cash deal rather than allow the £4million-rated player to go out on loan again.

He confirmed: "There is a lot of interest in Gary. There have been bids from clubs."

O'Neill admits he is in the dark over speculation linking striker Luke Moore with a move to Reading.

Moore has rejected a new contract although Villa have taken up a year's option on his present deal to the end of the 2008-2009 campaign.

But, as regards Reading's interest, O'Neill said: "That is news to me." Moore has made only eight first-team starts this season.

Unsettled goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen may have to remain at Villa after O'Neill revealed there had been no bids for the Danish international.

Sorensen has found himself number three behind Scott Carson and Stuart Taylor and has indicated a willingness to go out on loan to obtain first-team football.

But O'Neill said: "No one has asked about Thomas."

O'Neill is prepared to allow midfielder Isaiah Osbourne join Leicester on a month's loan once he has shaken off a thigh problem.


Source : www.sportinglife.com