Aston Villa vs Wolves preview - McLeish seeks replacement for Young
Posted Saturday, August 27, 2011 by PA
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is looking to bring in a quickfire replacement for QPR-bound Luke Young but has ruled out a move for the midfield duo of Scott Parker and Darron Gibson.
Villa have accepted an undisclosed offer from Rangers for former England international Young, who is holding talks with Rangers.
McLeish, whose side entertain Wolves on Saturday, has to adopt a 'sell to buy' policy if he is to bring in any new blood before the transfer window closes on Wednesday.
McLeish said: "QPR have put a bid in for Luke which the club have accepted and he is talking to them now with my approval - as long as we can add to the squad.
"The deal is not done yet but the indications are he will go to QPR. We will be looking to bolster the squad with an experienced player. If we are thin on the ground, it is (in terms of) experience.
"We have got a list of players. We have to be ready with some names for the board."
When asked about Gibson, McLeish said: "He is not someone we have on the radar. We have discussed him in the past amongst other midfielders. But it is unlikely."
McLeish was equally adamant about Parker and said "Definitely not him but you could name 100 names and it is not my policy to talk about players until we dot the i's and cross the t's."
McLeish believes Wolves are brimming with the confidence that has come from securing a third season of top-flight football.
But he has been encouraged by the response of the Villa players since he took charge in the summer.
McLeish said: "They are into the third year and it makes such a difference in terms of ability.
"You can see what it has done for Stoke, a fantastic example to anyone.
"Wolves have started this season with the confidence of the last two seasons in the Premier League. That is what that foothold in the league does for you.
"But I am seeing signs of progress here. I've seen that, a lot of good things.
"It is about reassuring the players about how well they've done and what they can do and what they can improve on. I've seen some great moments."
Villa strikers Gabriel Agbonlahor (hamstring) and Emile Heskey (groin) are fit.
Youngster Chris Herd could replace Young even if he is still a Villa player tomorrow as he is suffering from a knee injury.
Mick McCarthy admits he was "amazed" by McLeish's dramatic summer move from Birmingham to Aston Villa but is adamant fans will be won over if he produces positive results.
Wolves boss McCarthy was due to enjoy a summer break with close friend McLeish before Blues' relegation from the Barclays Premier League spoiled that plan.
He was as surprised as anyone when McLeish switched to Villa Park and caused protests from supporters of both clubs but is adamant he will be "a really good manager" for the claret and blues.
McCarthy said: "Alex started right in the 'minus column' in terms of affection from Villa fans.
"But I love how they've turned it around now by saying he is their hero because he took Birmingham down.
"I thought Alex had won the lottery (going to Villa) to be honest because, if Wolves had got relegated, would West Brom have come and got me if Roy Hodgson had left? Probably not!
"I was just amazed by it, by all the happenings. I was actually due to be away with Alex and he didn't come because of Birmingham's relegation.
"I guess you should never be surprised with what happens in football but I was a little bit in this instance - and I'm thrilled for him.
"I was at the Villa game on Saturday (against Blackburn) and it was great to see him get a warm welcome and to get the result he needed.
"But it's all well and good getting a warm welcome. You've got to win games and then you will win the supporters over."
McCarthy added: "I just think he will be a really good manager for them.
"He is a top bloke, solid fellow, knows his football, and proved he is a very good manager.
"They've got four points, a draw away, a win at home, what more can you do? It's been a great start for him."
Photos
More»
De Bruyne's glamorous Wag stuns in low-cut dress
Tuesday April 23 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Coventry 3-3 Man Utd (2-4 pens)
Monday April 22 2024
Your Say