Renaissance man Nigel Reo-Coker was today poised to complete a remarkable turnaround in fortunes by being made Villa captain for the rest of the year.

Wolves winger Stephen Hunt has insisted manager Mick McCarthy was right to delay his debut for another week.

Steve Sidwell is confident the claret and blue crowd can roar Villa to victory on Saturday over his former club Chelsea.

Wolves midfielder Adlene Guedioura has vowed to be back playing in the Premier League this season and insisted he will return stronger from his broken leg.

Wolves were today reeling from a major blow after midfielder Adlene Guedioura broke his leg.

Villa striker John Carew has emerged as a doubt for Monday’s Stoke trip – as Stiliyan Petrov considers quitting international football.

Villa hope to bring Gerard Houllier’s appointment as manager forward to tomorrow with the Frenchman wanting Phil Thompson as his assistant.

Villa expect James Collins, Gabby Agbonlahor and Carlos Cuellar to be fit for Thursday’s Europa League showdown at home to Rapid Vienna.

Villa could welcome back a host of stars for Thursday’s Europa League play-off trip to Rapid Vienna as caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald considers making changes.

Caretaker boss Kevin MacDonald has opened the door to the first team for Villa’s up-for-sale stars by vowing – ‘the slate has been wiped clean.’