Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

O'Neill reassures Villa pair

08 Feb 2007 - 11:55:00

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Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has reassured Juan Pablo Angel and Aaron Hughes that they remain part of his first-team plans.

Angel was omitted from the squad that defeated West Ham last weekend with O'Neill opting to go with his new-look strikeforce of John Carew and Ashley Young.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland international defender Hughes was replaced in the side by on-loan Manchester United youngster Phil Bardsley.

However, O'Neill would like both players to remain at Villa Park as he continues his overhaul of the squad inherited from former boss David O'Leary.

"Juan Pablo and Aaron are well and truly in my plans, but last weekend was the first time we've had a choice since we kicked off the season," he confirmed.

"Juan has been involved in virtually every game. It was virtually the first game he missed so far. He will be back.

"But it is more encouraging for the club that we have a choice."