NILIS TELLS OF INJURY NIGHTMARE

The 33-year-old Belgian international was hurt in an accidental collision with Ipswich keeper Richard Wright suffering a compound fracture to his leg and may never play again.

"It was the worst moment of my life to be told I might have to lose part of my leg - that will live with me forever," Nilis told The Mirror. "It was such a bad break that it led to complications and it was nearly a disaster."

The former PSV Eindhoven star was told of the news after the injury became infected and could have faced the prospect of losing his leg if the disease had spread.

"I cried when I was told. It has been a nightmare and sometimes I wonder how I can get through the day. It has affected me very badly mentally.

"I know there are worse things that happen in the world, but this has destroyed my dreams.

"I have never known anything like this happen to a player, and I keep on asking 'why me?' I am very low."

"Now my hope is that I will recover and be able to at least walk again, but I'm not sure about being able to play football."

Nilis played only three games for The Villans and will be remembered fondly by the Villa Park faithful for a fabulous volley scored against Chelsea. Despite being at the club for only a few months, Nilis praised the way the club had stood by him.

"It saddens me so much that Aston Villa never saw the best of me, but despite that they have stood by me and given me their support."