Villa winger Ashley Young is struggling to be fit for tonight’s Carling Cup clash with Cardiff.

The England star is nursing a calf problem and looks set to miss the third-round clash at Villa Park with the claret and blues’ Premier League trip to Blackburn just three days away.

Boss Martin O’Neill said: “Ashley didn’t train yesterday and might be a concern for the game. He got a kick in the lower part of the calf during the Portsmouth game but he was able to continue. He pulled up a bit in training on Monday morning and it is still sore.”

And the Villa chief has all but ruled out striker Emile Heskey after he hobbled off in the weekend win over Pompey.

“Emile would be struggling,” added O’Neill. “He is improving but the weekend is looking a more likely scenario for him. He rocked his ankle and it was very sore.”

O’Neill refused to confirm whether Nigel Reo-Coker will be in his squad to tackle the Championship outfit following last week’s training-ground bust-up between the pair.

“I’ve had a conversation with him,” he added. “It shall remain private.

“If Nigel or close associates want to divulge what was said, that is entirely up to him or them.

“Is Nigel in the squad? I have not picked the team yet. He has trained with the squad.”

Luke Young will not feature as the funeral of his half-brother was held today.

Meanwhile, Stewart Downing’s operation to have the pin removed from his fractured foot has been deemed a success.