Villa midfielder Gareth Barry is doubtful for Saturday’s derby clash with Albion, boss Martin O’Neill has admitted.

The England star missed Sunday’s FA Cup win at Gillingham with a groin injury and the club are awaiting the results of scans on the problem.

O’Neill said: “We will assess the results of the scans but the fact is Gareth is desperate to play.”

There is better news on full-back Luke Young, who is expected to return to face the Baggies after also missing the clash at the Priestfield Stadium clash.

The England international was ruled out with a tight hamstring but the Villa boss is “hopeful” the versatile defender will be fit in time to play.

Striker Gabby Agbonlahor was another to miss the clash against the League Two Gills but he will be fit to play after recovering from illness.

The game will come too soon for defensive duo Carlos Cuellar and Martin Laursen, but the pair are both making progress in their recoveries from recent injuries.

Cuellar is battling to overcome a hamstring problem while skipper Laursen has missed the last three games with a knee injury but both have done some running at the club’s Bodymoor Heath training complex this week.