Ashley Young facing rap from Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill for red card at Sunderland

Jan 21 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

“He is still short of real, complete match fitness – as you would expect – but at least he is training and there has been no reaction so far.

“The training has been lighter but even so it is encouraging.”

Bouma suffered an horrific broken ankle against Odense which twisted his foot around.

O’Neill added: “Freddie is doing okay. He is feeling a bit stiff yet which is going to be understandable.

“That is going to be the case for some considerable time – even when you are properly fit.

“He may feel that sort of stiffness for six or seven months but it shouldn’t prevent him from continuing on in the same vein.

“I have been pleased with him, he wants to try to get back - but it is early days yet.”