Source: Telegraph
Martin O'Neill fears lengthy layoff for Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies
Davies is facing a lengthy spell on the touchlines if O'Neill's worst fears are realised.[LNB]Davies' problem first flared up four years ago when he was a West Brom player and he has suffered three recurrences in the past month against Porto in the Peace Cup and in both legs of the Europa League qualifier with Rapid Vienna.[LNB] Related ArticlesDunne targets Champions LeagueDunne completes Villa moveVilla thriving without Barry, says PetrovWest Ham sign Da Costa, sell Savio and CollinsAston Villa must stay calmSport on televisionIt makes O'Neill's recruitment of James Collins and Richard Dunne even more important as the only other experienced central defender at the club is Carlos Cuéllar.[LNB]O'Neill said: "I'm particularly pleased that the two of them (Dunne and Collins) are on board considering that Curtis will probably be out for a fairly lengthy period of time.[LNB]"He needs to see the specialist again but I think surgery is looking more and more likely.[LNB]"Luke Moore was out for four or five months so you are looking at a fairly lengthy period of time for corrective surgery."[LNB]O'Neill added: "You have to look at the long-term picture. It's important for the player's long-term future in the professional game that we did that.[LNB]"Curtis' commitment and bravery was never in question.[LNB]"Surgery is something we're looking at and obviously if that is the decision, and it's pointing in the right direction, then the sooner it's done the better. It would probably be next week."[LNB]Despite the signing of Collins and Dunne, Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov believes rookie defender Ciaran Clark has a massive part to play in the club's future.[LNB]Clark made an impressive debut alongside Cuéllar in Sunday's 2-0 home win over Fulham.[LNB]Petrov believes the Academy product has already showed enough potential to be earmarked as a player who can make his mark.[LNB]The Bulgaria international said: "Ciaran Clark has got a big part to play. He was very impressive during pre-season.[LNB]"He played well in the Peace Cup over in Spain and against Fulham he acted like he has already got 100 games behind him.[LNB]"It is great to see young boys with such confidence and ability, especially from the youth team, and you want to see players like that break into the first team." [LNB]
