O'Neill stands by Sutton
07 Feb 2007 - 14:44:06
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill insists Chris Sutton's football career is not under threat even though the veteran striker is currently struggling with an eye problem.
The 33-year-old former Celtic and Blackburn Rovers star has not played since before Christmas as he is suffering from blurred vision, and is due to see a specialist.
But an upbeat O'Neill said: "There is improvement and we were all hoping at some stage that the blurred vision would go away or disappear rapidly.
"That hasn't happened, but I think Chris wants to start doing some work on a non-contact basis to build up his fitness. He's going to see what the specialist says.
"It's a shame for him, but I wouldn't be jumping to conclusions about his season being finished or even his slightly longer-term future being in doubt. We'll wait and see."
Sutton has scored one goal in nine appearances for Villa since joining the club in October.
