Relief over James Collins injury verdict

Villa breathed a sigh of relief today after it emerged James Collins' facial injury is not as bad as first feared.

The centre-back was taken to hospital following Wales' Euro 2012 qualifying defeat to Montenegro on Friday after being on the receiving end of what appeared to be a stray elbow.

But scans have shown the defender has not fractured his cheekbone or broken his nose as first feared.

Collins does, however, have a black eye but with Wales not in action this week he has seven days to recover before next Monday's Premier League trip to Stoke.

Villa are also expected to be able to call on Stephen Ireland for the Potters visit with the Irishman believed to be making good progress from a hamstring problem.