Laursen future remains unclear

Villa waiting on defender's decision

Last updated: 21st April 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Laursen future remains unclear

Laursen: Ongoing knee problems

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Martin Laursen is yet to respond to suggestions that he will shortly be forced into premature retirement.

The Aston Villa skipper has a history of knee problems and is currently sidelined with a reoccurring ailment.

That has led to suggestions that the 31-year-old will be forced to call time on his career as he can no longer stand the rigours of professional football.

He held talks with Villa boss Martin O'Neill regarding his future on Monday, but the outcome of that meeting is not yet known.

It is believed that Laursen will be given as much time as he needs to weigh up his options, with O'Neill having already warned that the Danish defender needs to seriously consider which path he intends to take.

"Psychologically it is not like you are 19 when getting these injuries and thinking you have got a career ahead of you," the Villa boss has previously said.

Massive blow

Laursen announced his retirement from international action in January in an effort to prolong his playing days and earn a new deal at Villa Park.

However, his team-mate Curtis Davies has admitted that he fears for his fellow defender's future in the game.

"If he has to retire, it's a massive blow, but more so for him," he said.

"I'd love him to still be playing football. I really don't know too much about it though.

"He's been trying his best to get things sorted and hopefully he can come back next season. It would be hard to replace him."