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Alex McLeish today hailed his Villa players for coming through the “ultimate test” of their ability to defend set-pieces against Stoke with flying colours.

The claret and blues have conceded 13 goals from set-plays this season which is the joint highest in the Premier League alongside Bolton. And of those goals nine have been conceded from corners – more than any other team in the top flight.

But despite facing a Stoke side, who are renowned for their knack of scoring from dead-ball situations, Villa battled to claim a point from a goalless draw in the Potteries. “That’s the ultimate test and they passed it last night. Credit to the players,” said McLeish.

“Stoke were a massive threat from free-kicks, throw-ins and corners but the lads were excellent. They have been much maligned but that’s the evidence for them and that’s the way to go forward.

“They can take great confidence from the way they defended, they were vigilant, concentrated, they battled, up for the 50-50s. Marc Wilson got free with the one that hit the underside of the bar but Gabby Agbonlahor cleared with great composure. These were real plusses for us, especially with a club I am trying to turn the ship in the direction I want. It would have been travesty to lose that game but that’s Premier League football; it’s cut-throat.”

McLeish revealed that Darren Bent missed the game at the Britannia Stadium after he felt a strain in his thigh/groin region which had already forced him to miss matches against Arsenal and Liverpool. However, the Scot hopes to have the England striker available for the trip to Chelsea on New Year’s Eve especially with the news that Emile Heskey out.

“Darren felt a twinge in a session yesterday morning, he will have a scan today, if there’s fluid there it’s a fresh injury, if not, he should not be too far away,” said McLeish.

“Emile’s been up and down with the Achilles injury. He usually lasts about 60 minutes. He said it was intolerable when he came off at half-time.”