Source: Daily_Mail
Bouma on the comeback trail after cameo for Villa reserves
Aston Villa left-back Wilfred Bouma provided a welcome ray of sunshinefor manager Martin O'Neill by continuing his comeback from injury inplaying a second 90 minutes for the reserves against Stoke on Monday night.
The Holland international has been sidelined since dislocating anankle during the InterToto Cup clash with Odense BK in late July.
But he came through the entire recent second team game againstChelsea with flying colours and set up the only goal against Stoke.
Now Bouma could come into the equation for faltering Villa's nextBarclays Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford onApril 5.
It would give a welcome boost for O'Neill in being able to get thebalance of his defence right after the 5-0 mauling at Liverpool.
He has opted to play right-back Luke Young on the other flankduring most of Bouma's absence - despite having England internationalNicky Shorey available as a straight replacement.
And central midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, who had a nightmare timeat Anfield, and central defender Carlos Cuellar have filled in atright-back for the majority of the campaign.
Bouma is also set to play another reserve game away to Tottenhamnext Monday ahead of the trip to face the Red Devils on April 5.
Villa have gone eight games without a win in all competitions andduring that period have conceded 18 goals and failed to keep a cleansheet.
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