O'Neill cautious over Collins

Villa boss admits Welsh centre-half is a doubt to face Spurs

Last updated: 24th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

O'Neill cautious over Collins

Collins: Groin injury

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Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill will not be rushing James Collins back into his first-team plans.

The 26-year-old centre-half missed the 1-1 draw at Burnley on Saturday after picking up a groin injury.

The Wales international has made positive strides in his recovery since then, and could come into contention for the visit of Tottenham this weekend.

O'Neill, though, will not risk his £5million summer signing from West Ham if he feels he is not 100 per cent fit.

"James was really unfortunate to miss Burnley," said the Villa manager.

"He trained all of the week and it was only in the last few moments of training on the Friday that he started to feel something again.

"I will have a look at it. At this minute, I would think he would be a doubt (for Spurs).

"The last thing you want to do is bring someone back too quickly and then find he's out for a much longer period."