Moore set for US trip
07 Oct 2006 - 09:55:58
Aston Villa striker Luke Moore is to travel to the USA for treatment on his persistent shoulder injury from a specialist recommended by the club's new owner Randy Lerner.
The 20-year-old is set to be operated on by Anthony Miniaci, the orthopaedic surgeon who serves as Head Team Physician for Lerner's NFL franchise, the Cleveland Browns.
Villa boss Martin O'Neill told the club's official website: "He (Lerner) said 'If I am not interfering and if you think it is of any help then we have an absolute specialist out in America for these particular injuries'.
"That doesn't mean that local people can't do the job, but if somebody actually does these injuries and is an expert, then it's worth him flying out.
"I don't know enough about it (the treatment) and I wouldn't interfere - all I want is for him to get the best. If the top man was on our doorstep, we would use him."
The Villains' physio, Alan Smith, added: "Anthony Miniaci is a top, top surgeon and he specialises in this sort of injury. Players sustain a lot of shoulder dislocations in gridiron and he's got a great success rate.
"Luke will fly out on Monday and undergo surgery on Tuesday. He'll then fly back to the UK at the end of the week or the beginning of the following week to begin his rehab.
"He should be back within three to four months, which is a lot better than the gaffer originally feared."
Villa have signed former Celtic and Birmingham City striker Chris Sutton to provide cover during Moore's absence.