Source: Daily_Mail
Villa boss O'Neill insists: Shorey isn't for sale but if somebody wants him...
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill insists he is not 'actively looking' to sell full-back Nicky Shorey and believes the player can challenge Stephen Warnock for a first-team spot.[LNB]Shorey joined Forest on a three-month loan and has impressed during their rise into the top two of the Coca-Cola Championship.[LNB]But O'Neill has not allowed him to play in the FA Cup - including tonight's third-round replay at Birmingham - and feels he can still make an impact at Villa Park.[LNB] Heading for the Villa Park exit? Nicky Shorey is on loan at Nottingham Forest[LNB]The former England defender began the season in Villa's starting XI but was instantly replaced by Warnock after his switch from Blackburn in August.[LNB]O'Neill said: 'Selling Nicky is not something that I am looking to do at this minute and nothing concrete has developed.[LNB]In great form: Stephen Warnock [LNB]'If there was an offer, I would sit down with Nicky and his agent to discuss it but I am not actively seeking (to sell him).[LNB]'Nicky thought when Stephen Warnock arrived that his chances would be limited at the time. But he is capable of fighting back. I think he is enjoying it immensely atForest and he's playing which is what he wanted to do.'[LNB]O'Neill has been keeping close tabs on how Shorey has been progressing at the City Ground and feels he can make an impression at Villa if he improves the defensive side of his game.[LNB]He said: 'We've had people at every game he's played in and I've also got the matches on DVD.[LNB]'I think going forward he has done very well and if he tightens up his game defensively, he has loads to offer - and I think he has tried to do that.'[LNB]Meanwhile, Villa are hoping to arrange a practice match at their Bodymoor Heathtraining ground to help Curtis Davies regain match fitness after his long lay-off following shoulder surgery.[LNB]Davies is now back in training after going under the knife in September but the weather has so far frustrated his attempts to play with last week's reserve match against Portsmouth postponed.[LNB]O'Neill said: 'Curtis is training but obviously he needs to play now. His match fitness would be a problem.'[LNB] Mick McCarthy enters race for £1.5m Leeds hot-shot Jermaine Beckford Carlos flies high again: Tevez hat-trick fires City into the top four'We must get rid of Glazer leeches' - Manchester United fans lash out as debt-ridden owners unveil £500m bonds schemeASTON VILLA FC
