Aston Villa hold talks with Alan Curbishley

Sep 2 2010 by Mat Kendrick

Villa believe all of the names on their shortlist of ‘half a dozen’ are of a high calibre and come with the necessary top flight experience.

The ultimate decision over who will be in the dugout for Villa’s next match at Stoke a week on Monday will depend on a variety of factors.

Each candidate’s knowledge of Villa’s existing squad, contacts and reputation in the game and rapport with the board are being considered.

Meanwhile, Gabby Agbonlahor has advised Villa’s latest batch of homegrown youngsters to take the rough with the smooth at first team level.

Agbonlahor is now the club’s current longest serving player after coming through the Bodymoor Heath ranks to make his debut in March 2006.

The claret and blues are placing a major emphasis on young talent this season as the make up of their official Premier League squad testifies.

Marc Albrighton, Barry Bannan, Ciaran Clark and Co have impressed during their senior appearances for MacDonald’s team so far this season.

But Agbonlahor has warned the next generation of stars to be prepared for the highs of Rapid Vienna away and lows of Newcastle.

“Look at the likes of Marc and the impression that him, Ciaran Clark and Barry Bannan have made,” said Agbonlahor.

“Obviously it was a disappointing result against Newcastle, but just look at the positives from the start of the season.

“The young lads coming through have shown that they can cope with life in the Premier League.

“I’d just tell them that sometimes it doesn’t go for you every game and that happens to everyone that comes through.

“Not every game is going to be perfect like the West Ham game. It shows the way they played in that game and the European game that they’ve got the talent so hopefully they can keep it going.”