Friday Mar 28 2008 09:08
Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner faces at least two weeks out of action due to a thigh injury sustained while on international duty with the England Under-21s side.
The 21-year-old, who has also played at right-back for Villa this season, was replaced at half-time of the goalless draw against Poland in midweek and could be sidelined for up to three weeks.
Meanwhile, Villa boss Martin O'Neill has warned that he doesn't want Gardner to be viewed as a utility player in the future.
He told the Express & Star: "I don't want to abuse his versatility.
"Craig has shown he'll play anywhere for us. He's playing at right-back and going forward he can use his natural talents.
"Defensively he'll need to improve. He'll need to look at Olof Mellberg and Martin Laursen, but I've got the utmost regard for Craig Gardner.
"He's got a great drive and when you consider he's been playing at the back, he has still scored three majestic goals for us this season."
Meanwhile, loan goalkeeper Scott Carson is expected to be fit to face Manchester United this weekend, having missed England's friendly in France with a knee injury.
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