The Villa Times 20/04/2006

Steve Staunton is hoping to persuade 20-year-old Villa defender Gary Cahill to play for the Republic of Ireland. The link makes sense as Kevin McDonald is part of Stans backroom staff and Cahill has Irish grandparents. Stan says: 'We've known about him for some time, and I made contact with him when I first got the job. But I don't want to put too much pressure on people. They will do it in their own time and they will do it for the right reasons. He has great potential. He's only 20, he's six foot three and takes no prisoners. That said, his goal on Sunday was still a bit of shock to me!'

Come off it. Fulham's Luis Boa Morte has been linked to Villa. Why? Where will we get the money from? Why would he want to join a team a) not in Europe b) with no prospects of Europe whilst the current 'troubles' continue c) are equal on points with Fulham (a much 'smaller' club) in the league? I've also seen a link to Real Madrid. Hmmm, tough choice.

Villa reserves beat Wolves 2-1 keeping the charge for the title alive and kicking. Adam McGurk and Luke Moore were the scorers. VILLA: Taylor, Bridges, Green, Lowry, O'Halloran, Djemba-Djemba, Paul, Lund, Moore, McGurk, Kabeya. Subs: Stieber (for Green 71), Olejnik, Earls, Mikaelsson, Herd (for Paul 77).

23-year-old Wolves defender Joleon Lescott has again been linked to a move to Villa Park in a £3million deal. He has also been linked to Reading.

Roy Aitkin says: 'We've conceded 50 goals over the course of the season, and the statistics sum it up because we've conceded far too many and not scored enough. We are a team that does play on the front foot and creates chances and I would expect us to score more than the 39 we have so far. We have to be more ruthless at both ends.' Full article:Click Here

Liam Ridgewell has said that the team want to make sure they don't finish with the lowest points ever in the Prem: 'I take that as a personal slight against me because I've played most of the season and I don't want us to finish on our lowest points tally. We're working on it during the week and I'm sure we'll come out fighting again.' Again?!? Full article: Click Here

Milan Baros says that Patrik Berger will be back. He said of his fellow Czech: 'He is a good player and Villa have definitely not seen the best of him either. He's been out for a large part of the season and it's been difficult for him. All the players know he is great though, because you can see it in training.' Berger has played just nine times this season after arriving from Portsmouth on a free.

James Milner says that Gabriel Agbonlahor has a great future: 'Gabby showed (in the Wigan game) how much pace he's got. It's a great asset to have and it's great for him to have been involved as much as he has, because if he can stay involved he'll get better and better. When you play your first game you're going to be nervous and it's hard feeling your way in, playing with different players. But he's coming through that and really starting to settle down, showing more and more the player he is.'

The Villa reserves play Manchester United reserves in what could be a title decider on Saturday (22nd April) at Tamworth FC with an 11am kick off. Admission is free for Season Ticket holders. Adults (£2) and concessions (£1). Villa are three points behind Manchester United at the top of the league with a game in hand.

Vital Villa asked if David O'Leary had done enough to stay. Seems 31% think he has. 40% said 'not even a derby win makes up for this season and expect him to leave, 26% want him out and a further 2% say is Ellis stays, DOL has to go. 1% said O'Leary should leave for the sake of his career.

Liam Ridgewell and Gary Cahill will make an appearance at the Villa Village store tomorrow (April 21). They will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for photographs from 2pm.

Thought for the day: God must love stupid people; He made so many.

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