McCann's future in doubt
Martin O'Neill has warned Gavin McCann he faces a battle for his Villa place – which could alert other clubs. Martin O'Neill has warned Gavin McCann he faces a battle for his Villa place – which could alert other clubs. McCann was out of the 16 for the first time in his four-year Villa career for yesterday's goalless draw with Portsmouth, despite being available after suspension. Boss O'Neill preferred Stiliyan Petrov for the midfield holding role, with youngster Craig Gardner on the right, while last year's two central midfield, McCann and Steven Davis, didn't make the squad. McCann is out of contract next summer and negotiations have yet to start on a new deal. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
McCann was out of the 16 for the first time in his four-year Villa career for yesterday's goalless draw with Portsmouth, despite being available after suspension.
Boss O'Neill preferred Stiliyan Petrov for the midfield holding role, with youngster Craig Gardner on the right, while last year's two central midfield, McCann and Steven Davis, didn't make the squad.
McCann is out of contract next summer and negotiations have yet to start on a new deal.
And the manager warned there could be casualties after vowing to improve the club in the summer.
"Gavin McCann has been absolutely terrific for us this season, but we've picked up points when he's been suspended," said O'Neill.
"It's encouraging for us in one aspect, because in November and December we were searching for players to put on the bench.
"We want to improve Aston Villa, it's as simple as that.
"Bigger clubs than us have got strong benches. We're not in the same league as the top four, but we want to try to get there.
"For next season I want us to be so strong that if three of our players were out injured, it wouldn't dent our chances.
"If that's what it takes to make us decent and we can get strength in depth, then so be it."
O'Neill added: "Yesterday was as difficult a team selection as I've had maybe since I arrived because the team did very well last week and the result went for us.
"We had some choices and had some players who didn't even make the 16. John Carew has been excellent, Patrik Berger was magnificent over Easter and then missed the game at 'Boro.
"We went with the side I felt was capable of breaking them down and maybe gave us a bit more strength – if necessary. Luke Moore came on last week and scored, after Shaun Maloney and Ashley Young had started. It was disappointing because we can only pick 16."