Positive News For Villa - Sort Of!

After the negativity from today's fall out following last nights dire performance in the Carling Cup, I wanted to leave the day on a happier note. I've searched for a positive Villa story in order to get back to the football. However, across the board, papers, internet, forums etc, everything is doom and gloom.

So did I find anything?

Well, yes, sort of! This isn't directly about Aston Villa, but it is related to our opponents this weekend, Newcastle United.

The Magpies boss Graeme Souness says Michael Owen is an injury concern for the weekend. If he is fit, then he will no doubt cause our defenders a different type of concern.

Owen has struggled with a groin injury for a while as well as suffering from hamstring problems and although he hopes to be fit for the game against Villa, he may have to sit out his fourth game in succession. He isn't available for the Carling Cup match currently being played against Wigan tonight and has missed six of a possible eleven games for Newcastle since arriving from Real Madrid.

Souness said: 'Michael, two weeks ago this Friday, trained with no problems. After training, he clipped three balls into an empty net on the Friday morning - not with any great power, just clipped them into an empty net - and on the third one, felt his groin....What we thought was just a slight strain is actually a small tear, but we are hoping he will be fine for this weekend. It's frustrating and disappointing for everyone. In the short time Michael has been with us, he has shown how important he is to the cause.'

And that is about as positive as I can find!