Charles N'Zogbia pleads for action

Charles N'Zogbia today urged Villa boss Alex McLeish to pick him for the Premier League opener at Fulham.

There had been questions marks over the winger's fitness following his £9.5million arrival from Wigan with the 25-year-old short on match practice.

But the France international, who will make his first appearance in Villa's final pre-season game against Braga tonight, is confident he will be fit enough to play when the season starts at Craven Cottage next Saturday.

"You can feel it on the pitch when you are tired and I'm not tired," said N'Zogbia. "I just need more training and more games to be at the top level.

"I have been working hard since I came here and even before I was working hard. I think I am fine and just need more games to be 100 per cent fit.

"I am just looking forward to playing a game and reach the level required for the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Carlos Cuellar's move to Rangers could still be on according to manager Ally McCoist who is keen to bring the Spanish defender back to Ibrox.

Rangers' elimination from the Champions League had cast doubt over the £2m deal because of Cuellar's wage demands. But McCoist revealed the Scottish Premier League champions are waiting on Cuellar's recovery from the surgery on his meniscus done in May.

"Carlos is going to see his specialist next week for an update on his knee injury, so we are monitoring that," said McCoist. "I am still very keen to get Carlos, but he's not immediate because he won't be able to play for six or seven weeks."