Delaney returns to training

Last updated : 02 August 2005 By Pancho Villa

The knock forced the Welsh international to return early from Villa’s recent Swedish tour and the defender has been unable to train since. He was back alongside his team-mates at Bodymore Heath this morning, but will play no part in tonight’s friendly against Walsall. He is also unlikely to travel to the Netherlands for the match against Utrecht on Friday, with next week’s reserve trip to Middlesbrough looking his most likely target.

“He needs to get some reserve matches in and about another week’s work as well. I would like him fit, but that is one position where we have cover, so it isn’t a problem. We have Aaron Hughes and Ulises de la Cruz,” David O’Leary said, gently stroking his chin. Delaney is therefore doubtful for the season opener against Sam Allardyce’s Wimbledon, I mean Bolton, not necessarily a blow for Villa fans. With Martin Laursen already ruled out there is a very realistic fear Delaney will switch to partner Olof Mellberg at centre-back, a position in which he looked suspiciously like a whale out of water last term.