O'Neill's dilemma over Hendrie

Dec 2 2006

MARTIN O'Neill has once again found himself fending off notions that Lee Hendrie's Villa career is all but over by insisting that the midfielder could find himself back at Villa Park at any time.

But the Villa boss nevertheless appears to be in a quandary over how to best serve Villa's interests.

O'Neill is certain to sign a right-sided midfielder in the January transfer window.

Hendrie has already entered into a third and final month on loan at Stoke City which has coincided with their remarkable transformation from relegation candidates to promotion contenders.

And, with skipper Gareth Barry suspended at Sheffield United next Monday, O'Neill will ponder his next move sometime next week.

What appears to be almost certain is that O'Neill does not see Hendrie as a central midfielder and will persist with rookie Isiah Osbourne in preference.

Hendrie has spoken of wanting to return to Villa but only if he was given a fair crack of the whip.

"As you know from Lee's comments, he wouldn't want to come back here now, having enjoyed himself, and find out he is not getting a game," said O'Neill. "But I am not here to worry myself about bringing players back and then them not playing.

"Tough luck, that's what they are getting paid for at the end of the day. That is a totally different issue but we have got instant recall on Hendrie and I certainly might take the option up.

"We have had instant recall since the first month."