Past glories mean nothing for Sorensen

Aug 17 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

THOMAS Sorensen has been told he can no longer rely on his "past reputation" to gain a first-team jersey at Villa.

The goalkeeper revealed his surprise to the Norwegian press this week at Scott Carson's arrival from Liverpool on loan, but will quickly be told he can leave the club if he so desires.

The Danish international needs first-team football ahead of next summer's Euro Championship Finals and is unlikely to play second fiddle.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill did not take kindly to Sorensen's public questioning of his move for Carson and will address the matter next week.

"I do not have a problem speaking to people," he said. "What I do expect as manager is the right to pick and choose, and buy and sell whoever I see fit.

"Competition for places is something I would be encouraging here. No matter how players want to look at it, it is something that can only be good as it should avoid complacency and make the players better.

"It should make them feel they are in the side on merit and not past reputation. That should all be good news."

Stuart Taylor trained yesterday having recovered from a calf injury but O'Neill remains cautious with Carson set for his debut at Newcastle.

"We will see what kind of reaction he had. He played very well last weekend."