Martin O’Neill today revealed Togo international Moustapha Salifou is edging ever closer to a Villa first team debut.
The August signing, nicknamed the ‘Toganese Zidane’, has so far been confined to the reserves since his belated arrival in October.
But he has been a hugely impressive figure for Kevin MacDonald’s second string and boss O’Neill could be set to plunge the 24-year-old midfielder in for his bow over the busy festive programme.
“I want competition in the middle of the field,” said O’Neill. “Moustapha Salifou is doing very well and his fitness has improved immensely.
“He’s done exceptionally well in the reserve team and he won’t be too far away, so that’s encouraging.
Villa have had a full squad to choose from so far this season, but O’Neill warns that situation could change at any time – and Salifou’s chance could come sooner.
“We’ve been lucky with injuries, but we have four games in quick succession and I’m sure a few players will be used,” said the boss.
“It would be hard to sustain the squad we have with the sort of injuries other clubs have had, but this sort of thing is always just around the corner.
“Luckily we have a very good medical staff here, which is just as well because it’s unavoidable.”
One Comment
I’m looking forward to seeing him in action. If what some people have said is true he could be one of the bargains of Premiership history.
However, only time will tell and we’ll see when he finally gets his chance.