Phillips in fitness race
Aston Villa striker Kevin Phillips is hopeful he will be fit to return to action in Sunday’s home Barclays Premiership clash with Middlesbrough.
Phillips, signed from Southampton for £750,000 (€1.1m) in the summer, suffered a calf injury during the pre-match warm-up ahead of the clash with Tottenham at Villa Park nine days ago.
The 32-year-old underwent a scan which prompted Villa manager David O’Leary to claim Phillips had “no chance” of being ready to face Steve McClaren’s side.
But Phillips, who has missed the Carling Cup goal spree at Wycombe and the narrow league defeat at Chelsea, is more optimistic of being available.
He said: “I don’t want to say I will definitely make it because I don’t want to let anyone down but there is definitely a chance there.
“Things are going well and the injury is reacting well. It is only a little tear in the calf. I had the same injury this time last year and was out for only two weeks.
“If I’m only out two weeks this time as well I’ll be well happy. I’m doing all the bike and weights work and things are being stepped up each day.”
Meanwhile, Villa defender Mark Delaney is expected to have another run-out for the reserves against Sunderland on Tuesday as he looks to prove his fitness after a knee injury.
Wales international Delaney suffered the setback during pre-season but has already played an hour during his second-team comeback against Blackburn last week.
The former Cardiff player is hoping to put himself in contention to be part of O’Leary’s plans against Boro although Aaron Hughes has been a solid performer at right-back since moving from Newcastle in the close season.
