Source: Team_Talk
Forgotten duo urged to shine
Alex McLeish has challenged Stephen Warnock and Stephen Ireland to re-establish themselves as Aston Villa first-team regulars this season.[LNB] Manager McLeish admits he will offload players if he is to make any further signings before the transfer window closes.[LNB]But the Scot is looking for defender Warnock and midfielder Ireland to show the kind of form which made them both command £8million fees when signed from Blackburn and Manchester City respectively.[LNB]McLeish, whose side visit Fulham on Saturday, said: "We have to trade again before we can bring anyone else in.[LNB]"But there were players, don't forget, who weren't involved last season like Warnock and Ireland.[LNB]"They have trained to a very good level pre-season and it is up to these guys to show they can do it when the real deal is about to start.[LNB]"I'm not going to guarantee anyone walking into the team or tell you who is going to be playing.[LNB]"But these two guys are players Aston Villa spent a lot of money on in terms of transfer fees and wages.[LNB]"We have to try and get more out of them and the signs have been good.[LNB]"The two of them have put in a great shift in pre-season and we know what they are capable of giving. The evidence is there.[LNB]"They both played for their countries. Ireland had a marvellous season with Man City two years ago and Warnock played for England."[LNB]Villa striker Darren Bent has recovered from the shoulder problem which ruled him out of England's midweek game with Holland at Wembley before it was postponed.[LNB]Bent scored nine goals in 16 matches after his club-record £18million move from Sunderland in January and established himself as a first-choice player for his country.[LNB]McLeish has a virtual clean bill of health for his first competitive game in charge since replacing Gerard Houllier in June.[LNB]Central defender James Collins has also shaken off the back injury which prompted his withdrawal from the Welsh squad to face Australia on Wednesday night.[LNB]Central defender Carlos Cuellar (knee) is the only absentee through injury.
