Injury leaves McLeish’s men Bent out of shape for vital run in.
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any less exciting for lower-mid table dwellers Aston Villa, they’ve now lost their multi-million pound forward Darren Bent for 3 months.
With their attack having looked as sharp as a filed down rubber this term, and the large, looming figure of Emile Heskey waiting in the wings, fans will be worrying when their next shot on target will come. The injury also has repercussions for England, with Bent having featured regularly for the national side during the Euro 2012 qualifiers, but it’s Villa that could be left paying a hefty price come the season’s end.
The Midlanders were hopelessly ineffective against a poor Wigan side last Saturday, and though eight points away from the relegation zone still find themselves heading into a string of tough fixtures with a threadbare squad.
Villa must now deal with not only the loss of their main forward but also a rejuvenated Robbie Keane, who leaves Birmingham with a heavy heart to resume his career with LA Galaxy after a short loan spell away.
That hasn’t stopped boss Alex McLeish flinging a desperate hand out at the departing Irishman, stating in the Daily Mirror, “hopefully he will think of us if he does it again.” What’s worrying for the under fire former Birmingham City boss is that 31 year old Keane has been Villa’s best player over the past few weeks.
With Charles N’Zogbia yet to start the season and Gabriel Agbonlahor having predictably faded since Christmas, the striker provided a toothless Villa outfit with some vital cutting edge.
With all of this going on, it’s no surprise that McLeish has been linked with a defender. The Daily Mail claims that Blackburn’s Scott Dann could be the latest center back on his way out of Ewood Park, with the former Birmingham stopper eager to reacquaint himself with his ex-boss.
Dann managed to scramble out of the revolving door at the Blues towards the end of last summer, having stated his desire to play for a team of Premier League quality. In the end he was forced to settle for Blackburn, but following the departure of defensive partner Chris Samba and having endured a torrid time in this seasons basement battle, Dann is thought to be on the lookout for new employers.
For now Villa will live in the hope new linchpin Emile Heskey can find the sort of form that he’s never shown in his career as a professional footballer.
