Nathan Delfouneso ready to fill Aston Villa striker gap

Apr 16 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“Gabby felt his hamstring in the Everton game and we did not want to take any risks,” said O’Neill.

“The results from the scan have come back and it’s more of a strain.

“I’m hopeful that we will see him before the end of the season. Gabby is a quick healer.

“Emile has a chance for Saturday. He’s been back in training with us this week.”

O’Neill has also received a positive progress report on the fitness of Wilfred Bouma, who has been out since July with a severely dislocated ankle.

The Dutch left-back could make his return during Villa’s remaining six games after his previous hopes of a comeback were halted by minor hitches.

“Freddie just had a bit of a setback,” said O’Neill.

“We are hoping he could still entertain the possibility of playing again before the end of the season.

“I still think he feels he’s got a chance. He has been out now for some time.

“It was going along nicely and then a few weeks ago he had a setback against Tottenham.”

O’Neill also revealed that Villa are stepping up their attempts and tying Stiliyan Petrov to a longer contract because his current deal runs out at the end of next season.

“We are waiting to hear back from Stiliyan’s agent,” added O’Neill.

“We have had a number of discussions now. Things are going fine at the moment, but then you never know.

“Obviously from the club’s viewpoint we are very anxious for him to stay at the club.

“He has had a fantastic season for us, he is a real asset to the club and his performances this campaign have been consistently excellent.”