Source: SKY_Sports
O'Neill to check on Laursen
Martin O'Neill plans talks with Martin Laursen on Monday, but will not make any predictions regarding the Aston Villa defender's future.
Laursen has been sidelined since January due to a knee injury and will not return to the Villa team before the end of the season.
The Dane has a history of knee problems and his latest setback has prompted speculation that the 31-year-old will be forced into retirement.
O'Neill does not want to paint a pessimistic picture of the situation and will meet with Laursen next week to discuss the situation.
Struggling
"Martin is still struggling," said the Villa boss. "There are lots of things (speculation) flying around. I have given Martin some time to go back home and see the family.
"I will see him on Monday and will sit down and see where we go. I want to see what he is feeling.
"He might need some corrective work done to the knee. We will see, but don't let me go all doom and gloom at this minute.
"I will find out, see what he is feeling, see what he is thinking about, run it all through with the doctor obviously at the same time.
"He has got a lot to think about at the moment. He is obviously disappointed."
O'Neill added: "Don't ask me to make any long-term predictions or anything like that.
"I am not capable of doing that at this minute. When he comes back, we will see what Martin is thinking. It may necessitate work in similar vogue to what he did before, but that takes time.
"But let me just say 'I'll see how he is, see what he is feeling' - and then by Wednesday or Thursday I'll give you a better idea."
Fantastic
O'Neill recognises the challenge Laursen may face to pick himself up and fight yet another injury blow, but has admired the way he has responded in the past to such setbacks.
He said: "Psychologically it is not like you are 19 when getting these injuries and thinking you have got a career ahead of you.
"It is happening at the wrong stage, but Martin is Martin. Who else would have fought back from the injury he had before?
"I am sure he had so many down moments before thinking he was never going to play again.
"When I saw him first, he walked and was running with a limp. For him to play the games he has done, has been fantastic."
