Source: Telegraph
Aston Villa's Nigel ReoCoker sent home after training ground bustup with Martin O'Neill
Reports claimed Reo-Coker had become engaged in a shoving match with O'Neill on Thursday after expressing unhappiness at being substituted during last Sunday's 1-0 win at local rivals Birmingham. [LNB]The former West Ham midfielder is also said to be frustrated by O'Neill decision to use him primarily as a right-back rather than in his preferred central role. [LNB] Related ArticlesVilla proves it's good to talkAston Villa v Portsmouth: match previewTaunts motivated Gabby AgbonlahorPremier League fixturesPremier League tableSport on televisionThe confrontation resulted in Reo-Coker being sent away from the club's Bodymoor Heath complex and told to stay away until Monday. [LNB]O'Neill confirmed that he had been involved in a disagreement with Reo-Coker, but insisted it was a verbal rather than physical clash. [LNB]"There was a mishap on the training ground. It's a common occurrence between players but on this occasion, unfortunately, it was between the manager and a player," O'Neill told the club's official website. [LNB]"There was a bit of a contretemps and that is unfortunate. Nigel didn't train this morning (Friday) and obviously won't play tomorrow (Saturday). [LNB]"I have dealt with the issue how I see fit and that's the end of it. Come Monday, we're back to normal again. I am the custodian of this place - my rules apply." [LNB]Aside from Reo-Coker's absence, Villa will host Portsmouth with few injury concerns. While Wilfred Bouma and Stewart Downing remain long-term absentees, summer arrivals Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stephen Warnock are expected to make their home debuts. [LNB]
