Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker could make his first Premier League start in over six weeks at former club West Ham with James Milner rated “extremely doubtful.”

Milner is struggling with the calf problem that forced him off at half-time in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Everton, with boss Martin O’Neill admitting the winger is unlikely to feature.

After slowly forcing his way back into O’Neill’s plans following last month’s training ground bust-up, former Hammers skipper Reo-Coker would be the obvious candidate to step in on the right tomorrow.

The manager said: “James was feeling very tight after the Sunderland game went to extra-time, he felt something on Friday morning but thought he could get over it. But it seemed to re-occur at the back of his calf.

“It was certainly hindering him in the first half. He would be extremely doubtful.”

But there was better news on Stiliyan Petrov, who is likely to recover from the shin injury sustained as a result of Everton winger Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s horror tackle.

O’Neill added: “Stiliyan is still sore. We are giving him every opportunity to recover and he is feeling a bit better.

“Of course, James and Stiliyan out would be a serious loss to our midfield.”

The manager also revealed the groin problem which has kept Craig Gardner sidelined for Villa’s last two games will again keep him out tomorrow, but could be fit for Saturday.