Villa pair look set to return

Duo on comeback trail after Trotters absence

Last updated: 19th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Villa pair look set to return

Collins: On road to recovery

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Aston Villa pair Emile Heskey and James Collins could play a part in the game against Burnley on Saturday.

The duo both missed the 5-1 demolition of Bolton last time out in the Premier League through injury but they are making good progress ahead of the trip to Turf Moor.

Heskey missed the Trotters win with a back spasm while central defender Collins picked up a groin injury, and Villa manager Martin O'Neill is hopeful they will both play at the weekend.

"James Collins is going strongly and Emile, at this minute, has got a good chance," he said.

"I think that the medical side at the club are particularly pleased with their progress. I think they are on course."

O'Neill also believes that young forward Nathan Delfouneso is now ready to challenge for a place in the first team after coming on as a substitute against Bolton.

"I have known now Nathan for some quite considerable time," he added.

"He got on in the game on Saturday week (against Bolton) and he's got the utmost potential.

"I think he has got a real proper future in the game. He has got stronger too as time has gone on and he is really knocking on the door of the Premier League for us."

Burnley have been excellent at home so far this season although they will have to break down a Villa defence that has only shipped 12 goals in the league so far.

A win for the Clarets will put them just two points behind the Midlands side, as Owen Coyle looks to mastermind another surprising result.