Gabby Agbonlahor still out of Villa reckoning

Caretaker boss Eric Black admits striker Gabby Agbonlahor is unlikely to feature again this season - as Aston Villa aim to avoid making unwanted history on Saturday.

moreDefeat against Newcastle in their final home game of the season would see the claret and blues set a new club-record of 12 consecutive league losses.

The current team equalled the previous mark of 11, first set by Joe Mercer's side during the 1962-63, with last week's 3-2 loss at Watford and Black admitted to having used the record as motivation prior to that game.

He said: "We spoke about it in team meeting. I thought the performance at Watford was a decent enough performance without getting anything from the game but we still, unfortunately, equalled the record.

"Now we have to ensure we are not the team that holds the record on its own. The players are certainly aware of it because we have spoken about it.

"How it will affect them individually, I am not so sure. I think that will be clear in the performance."

Villa could be without Rudy Gestede for tomorrow's game as the striker struggles with an injury.

Agbonlahor will not be an option to replace him, however, after Black revealed the former club captain had spent the week with the under-21s after returning to Bodymoor Heath following suspension.

The striker was banished from the training ground for more than week, after Villa launched an investigation when photographs of him apparently out celebrating on the night club's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed appeared in a national newspaper.

Agbonlahor, who had been placed on a personal fitness programme prior to his suspension, was subsequently fined two week's wages and relinquished the club captaincy.

Black remained cagey when questioned about the striker's current fitness but admitted he is unlikely to feature in the remaining two games.

He said: "Gabby's just been training with the reserves so he won't be considered for tomorrow.

"He's just been training with the reserves, at the moment, that's really all I'm prepared to say."

Newcastle arrive looking for a win which would ease their own relegation fears.

A fiery atmosphere is likely, with visiting supporters still angry at how home supporters greeted their relegation at Villa Park in 2009.

Villa fans are also planning a final protest against owner Randy Lerner, which will include a pre-game march and the release of 2,500 balloons during the match.

Black said: "The fans have had the hardest season in recent history, they've got to deal with how they feel.

"We have to focus on the pitch. If we can win the game and get a really good performance I'm sure they'll go home slightly happier.

"It's nothing in the big picture, let's be honest. But in any small shape or form, if we could (avoid 12th loss) then that would be important for me."

Villa will be without Kieran Richardson (calf), while Jordan Veretout is struggling with a pelvic injury and Aly Cissokho is suspended.