Laursen to regain armband

Danish ace to skipper side against Sunderland

Last updated: 25th September 2008

Martin Laursen Aston Villa defender

Laursen: To regain armband

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Martin O'Neill has stated Aston Villa defender Martin Laursen will regain the captain's armband for this weekend's clash with Sunderland.

Laursen sat out Villa's midweek defeat to QPR and with midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker also absent from the side, O'Neill installed Gareth Barry as temporary skipper.

However, O'Neill has ruled out Barry continuing the role, stating Danish ace Laursen will wear the armband when The Black Cats visit Villa Park on Saturday.

Unimportant

"In the scale of things it's really unimportant," O'Neill told the Birmingham Mail.

"Martin Laursen, the skipper, was out and Nigel Reo-Coker, who has led us on several occasions, wasn't in the side so Gareth was the obvious choice.

"He didn't hold a speech or anything like that but I'm sure he was pretty pleased. He doesn't give much away.

"Anyone should be pleased to be captain of this club. Martin is the captain at the moment and he's done very little wrong.

"I'm more disappointed about losing the game. I was delighted to give it to Gareth but I'm quite sure Martin will be the captain on Saturday."