O'Leary In Positive Comment Shocker!

Blimey, Aston Villa boss David O'Leary in positive comments shocker!

The under pressure Villa boss says that the recent form of Mark Delaney is doing the player 'no harm' in the quest for a new contract.

The Wales international defender has been in fine form since returning from yet another miserable injury lay off and has excelled in the centre of defence with Olof Mellberg.

His contract runs out at the end of the season and Villa have until March to tell the player whether they are going to take up the 12 month option available in the terms. The player has spoken out about his uncertain future and has been linked to several Premiership teams - although O'Leary has been quick to state that no offers have been received for any of his players, nor are they welcome. Delaney, who has been at Villa for seven years following a move from Cardiff, put in a written transfer request last month.

O'Leary said: 'Mark can't be doing himself any harm with the way he's playing. He was outstanding at Tottenham and I also felt that he did tremendously well in the previous game against West Ham. He's done well for us since he came back into the side and he just has to keep that going. That's all he can do. Whenever Mark has played, he has always been reliable and a good performer but it's just that he has had these injury setbacks over the last few years.'