Villa were today handed a treble fitness boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Wigan at the weekend.

Emile Heskey has hailed the impact of Darren Bent and believes his fellow striker will be top of the goalscoring charts at Villa for years to come.

Villa manager Gerard Houllier has praised the attitude of Emile Heskey and claimed the striker has an important role to play in the remainder of the campaign.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier believes Darren Bent has the potential to become a world-class striker as he ponders whether to pair him with Emile Heskey at Wigan.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier was today told his job was safe despite the club slipping into the Premier League relegation zone for the first time in eight years.

Villa are set to be without Emile Heskey for the trip to Manchester City after he picked up an ankle injury in the defeat to Tottenham.

Marc Albrighton is ready to deliver a sackful of presents to striker Emile Heskey as Villa prepare for their Boxing Day showdown with Tottenham.

Emile Heskey today handed Villa boss Gerard Houllier a huge boost after he was declared fit to face Albion this weekend, writes Timothy Abraham.

Richard Dunne today welcomed news of reserve run-outs for John Carew and Robert Pires after admitting Villa need more experience in the ranks.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier has ruled out a January swoop for Michael Owen – but will sign former Arsenal star Robert Pires.