Aston Villa: 'Pub player' Curtis Davies needs a beer, says Dion Dublin

May 16 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

VILLA old boy Dion Dublin believes confidence-shy Curtis Davies needs a reassuring arm around his shoulder to rediscover his best form.

Davies displays have dipped during the second half of the season without the commanding presence of Martin Laursen alongside him.

And Dublin is convinced that the self-confessed pub player needs to be taken out for a pint and a pep talk by his claret and blue colleagues.

"To call himself a pub player is being quite harsh," said Dublin.

"He is a kid who has come back from injuries and is playing again in a very, good football team who are fifth in the league. Hes not doing that badly!

"He is a good enough footballer to go out with confidence. He is a good enough defender and he has got to believe in himself.

"He needs people around him saying Come on, you didnt come here for that money for nothing, pal. If I was around him I would be saying that. I wouldn't be saying it in public, but I would be pulling him aside.

"At the right time I'd take him for a beer and I'd say 'Listen, you didn't get bought for £8million because you were a rubbish footballer."

However, Dublin, who himself has experience of playing in defence, has warned that opponents will target Davies if he shows signs of weakness.

"I have made lots of mistakes at centre-half and once youve made a couple you concede two goals one week, then it's three or four," he added.

"You're not really doing anything wrong, youre just going through a really bad run of luck.