Source: Team_Talk
Warnock hands MacDonald his support
Stephen Warnock has already witnessed enough of caretaker-manager Kevin MacDonald to know he has what it takes to handle the role full time.[LNB] Villa head into their third game of the season against Newcastle at St James' Park on Sunday no nearer knowing whether MacDonald will be given a permanent contract by owner Randy Lerner.[LNB]It is clear MacDonald has the respect of the players, in particular as they appear to be playing with a freedom under the 49-year-old that was seemingly rare under predecessor Martin O'Neill.[LNB]"Kev's got a great reputation in the game," said left-back Warnock.[LNB]"You speak to anyone who knows their football and they will know of Kev, know what he is about.[LNB]"I spoke to a few people before I came to the club and they held him in high regard.[LNB]"He's certainly got the respect of the lads as he gives us the confidence to go out and enjoy our football, and I think that's showing through at the moment.[LNB]"But the thing is we have to continue that form into this next game."[LNB]MacDonald impressed the fans with last week's 3-0 victory over West Ham, following that up with Thursday's 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League play-off with Rapid in Vienna.[LNB]The Scot threw the youngsters in at the deep end for that game and they responded in what was an intimidating atmosphere that would have frozen many.[LNB]Asked whether he would like to see MacDonald become full-time boss, Warnock shied away from giving a direct answer, but said enough to suggest he would be ideal for the job.[LNB]"That's not for me to say at the moment. I'm enjoying working with him, and if he got the job then that would be great," added the 28 -year-old.[LNB]"It's a tough decision for the chairman at the moment because it's a big club, one that is ambitious.[LNB]"But if he did get the job he is a good manager, and he is more than capable of doing the job here."[LNB]Warnock concedes that despite the suddenness of O'Neill's exit, the players have been forced to knuckle down and try to avoid letting it affect them.[LNB]"When Martin walked out it was a bit of a shock to everyone because I don't think anyone expected it, but you have to move on," said Warnock.[LNB]"When I was at Blackburn and Liverpool we lost managers. It's part and parcel of football.[LNB]"You can't worry about whether the manager is going to remain in charge or whatever. You just have to get on with your job and put in a performance."[LNB]MacDonald will revert to a full-strength line-up for the clash with the Magpies after making eight changes for the European fixture.[LNB]Captain Stiliyan Petrov, Ashley Young and Luke Young will all return after being rested, along with Richard Dunne who was suspended.[LNB]An injury question mark hangs over John Carew, with Carlos Cuellar, James Collins and Gabriel Agbonlahor also doubtful.[LNB]Providing he is fit enough midfielder Stephen Ireland should make his debut in place of James Milner after they swapped clubs this week, with the latter moving to Manchester City.[LNB]Warnock is expecting Ireland to show the form he displayed for City where he became lost amidst the big names and money being spent.[LNB]"There are a lot of players who are more than capable of playing in that team, but who have suffered from the money that has come into the club, and Stephen was one of those," said Warnock.[LNB]"We all know he is a quality player, and hopefully he will give us goals.[LNB]"If you look at his record for City over the last couple of years when he was in the team, he was getting into the box, scoring goals and creating chances for others.[LNB]"Technically he is a very sound player, so he will fit into the team very well and push other players to play at their best.[LNB]"We're thankful to have him."
