Hughes, Petrov and McCann Updates

Martin O'Neill says that right back Aaron Hughes is back in training and 'getting better by the day' following his groin injury but the Villa boss won't rush him back this weekend unless he is fully fit.

He said: 'The time before he got injured with Northern Ireland, and I am not saying it is exactly the same injury but it is around that particular area. We didn't rush him back, but the side has done well. By hook or by crook we have kept a couple of clean sheets and whilst it would be important to get all the players back, Aaron's is nothing like Martin Laursen and it is a shame to lose Aaron.'

'But boys coming in and giving their very best. If you ask me the question I'd rather everyone was fit for selection, rather than putting people in the background and Aaron Hughes has been a strong part of the team so far this season.'

Adding that old injuries often come back to haunt players: 'I promise you this time that Aaron did not come back too soon because he was perfectly alright to play when he returned to the side .'

O'Neill is hoping that Stiliyan Petrov will be back from his hamstring injury. McCann should also be able to return following his suspension although he was off ill yesterday.

'Petrov is feeling much better. He had an ultra-sound yesterday and that has come up all clear, so that's good. Obviously at this stage you never know, but I would be very hopeful that he would be fit.'

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