Samuel suspension hits Villa

Last updated : 24 January 2005 By Pancho Villa

The left-back was one of five Villa players to find themselves in referee, Mark Halsey’s book as the side went down 3-1 at Old Trafford meaning the former England Under-21 player will have to serve a one-match ban. It is not great timing for David O’Leary, who also saw his other full-back Mark Delaney limp off.

Ulises de la Cruz is the natural replacement for Delaney at right-back, while Gareth Barry will probably drop back into the defence to cover for Samuel.