Fresh chance for Berger
18 Jan 2007 - 10:33:13
Aston Villa midfielder Patrik Berger has been offered a lifeline at Villa Park by manager Martin O'Neill.
The 33-year-old Czech Republic ace has just returned to Villa after a loan stint at Stoke City, having been farmed out after refusing to take part in a reserve team fixture in November.
However, O'Neill says the door is not closed on Berger, who has been linked with a move to the USA next summer.
"The situation with Berger is that he is back here now, obviously he has apologised for what had happened," O'Neill confirmed.
"His agent had mentioned about the possibility of him going somewhere abroad for the last few months. If that materialises, fine.
"If not, then he just gets his head down here and the team will get picked on merit as far as I am concerned. If he is doing well enough, then he will be back in contention."
Meanwhile, Milan Baros' agent has dismissed rumours of interest in the Villa striker from German side Werder Bremen.
Pavel Paska commented: "It is nonsense from the German press.
"Nevertheless, Milan has not been angered by the never-ending speculation. I filter the offers to Milan and we discuss the serious ones."