McLeish to stick with Stephen Warnock
Alex McLeish will resist the temptation to throw Irish youngster Enda Stevens into his starting line-up despite Stephen Warnock's recent struggles.
Alex McLeish will resist the temptation to throw Irish youngster Enda Stevens into his starting line-up despite Stephen Warnock's recent struggles.
The Villa boss recognised that Warnock's performances have dipped from the start of season in which he has featured in 27 out of the claret and blues' 28 games.
McLeish axed the 30-year-old defender from the side which won 3-2 at Wolves and switched Ciaran Clark from midfield to left-back, but restored Warnock at half-time in that match after the versatile youngster was given a torrid time by Michael Kightly.
There had been a clamour for the Villa boss to give Stevens, who joined from Shamrock Rovers in January, a chance since Warnock's own-goal gaffe against QPR.
But McLeish has preached patience where the 21-year-old Dubliner is concerned and is not likely to start him against Manchester City this weekend.
"We bought him a boy in from the Irish league and people are asking where he is? He is not someone to rush," said McLeish.
"He has trained with the first team. He is comfortable on the ball and he will get his chance sometime but there are a couple even more experienced lads just ahead of him.
"It's not nice for Stephen to be in for criticism but that happens. It's about showing your strength of character."