Sutton: I almost quit

Aston Villa striker Chris Sutton has admitted he considered retiring earlier this year.

The 33-year-old contemplated hanging up his boots after struggling to shake off a persistent injury.

Sutton struggled to make an impact at Birmingham last season because of the injury and he left the club at the end of last season.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill offered Sutton the chance to continue playing by signing him in October and the former Celtic and Blackburn man is delighted he is back working with O'Neill after his success under the Northern Irishman at Celtic.

"I did consider retirement. I'd had problems with my abductor and missed a lot of games," said Sutton.

"I wasn't doing much training and not doing myself any favours really.

"But I had the chance here and I am back playing again.

"The operation gave me another opportunity. It's not made me a yard quicker but made me feel freer in that area and, touch wood, hasn't given me any problems since.

"I didn't want to waste anyone's time, I wanted to do well. I know I've still got a hell of a lot to do in terms of fitness but I'm still hungry.

"I'm just taking it month by month. I didn't know what to expect when I came back in terms of how I'd recover after the injury, but I'm glad I did.

"If it hadn't felt right I don't think there would have been any point carrying on. The main thing is getting fit and giving yourself a chance.

"Then if things don't work out at least you can say you've given it your best shot, because I didn't want to waste anyone's time.

"But Martin O'Neill is a great manager. I had a fantastic five years with him at Celtic.

"He's a manager all players enjoy playing under and I jumped at the chance."

Meanwhile, O'Neill has admitted he is contemplating recalling Lee Hendrie from his loan spell at Stoke.

Hendrie has impressed during his stint at Stoke and with injuries hitting his options, O'Neill may have to bring the midfielder back to Villa Park.

"Recalling Lee Hendrie is a distinct possibility and, as he gets fitter with every game, it can only be better news for us," admitted O'Neill.

"It is a genuine thought. Lee is at Stoke for two months but we can recall him if we want.

"In terms of the squad strength, I think that was always a fear once the August transfer deadline had gone and you weren't able to do anything about it.

"I had to try to get some idea of the quality of our squad before I started delving into the market.

"Obviously I signed Stilian Petrov and there was the possibility of getting young James Milner from Newcastle which fell through, but that's the way it goes."