MERSON GIVEN ALL-CLEAR
The former Arsenal and Middlesbrough player received six stitches in a head wound which he suffered after a clash of heads with Leeds United defender Michael Duberry while setting up Benito Carbone`s winning goal in the 3-2 FA Cup victory last Sunday.
It was thought that he could further add to manager John Gregory`s injury worries for the vital second leg but he has been given the go ahead to play, subject to a final check before kick-off.
Villa are also without broken neck victim Dion Dublin and Darius Vassell, while Sunday`s hat-trick hero Benito Carbone is cup-tied, leaving Greogry with the dilemma of having to now choose between Merson and youngster Richard Walker as partner to Julian Joachim.
Midfielder Ian Taylor is rated as doubtful for the game with an ankle injury and faces a late fitness test but, should he miss out, Gregory could play Merson in midfield and still give Walker his full debut.
David Allen
