Aston Villa: Curtis Davies launches attack on way Martin O'Neill treated him
Oct 19 2010 By Gregg Evans
CURTIS Davies has blasted former Villa boss Martin O’Neill for keeping him as a ‘spare part’.
The 25-year-old defender was on the verge of making his England debut until he was frozen out at Villa Park.
Davies found first-team opportunities hard to come by and Gerard Houllier’s arrival has so far failed to herald any change in his situation.
Last week he joined Championship side Leicester City on loan and took at swipe at his ex-boss after playing in the 1-1 home draw with Hull City.
“I wasn’t allowed to go on loan in January but was kept as a spare part basically,” said Davies.
“I didn’t want to leave Villa – I wanted to go out on loan, play some games then come back and fight for my place.
“But I was denied that opportunity because I was told I was going to get games and then was not even involved.
“To be cast aside was a bitter pill to swallow.”
Davies’ only start for Villa this term came in the disappointing Europa League second-leg defeat to Rapid Vienna.
Big things were expected of him when he left Albion in 2007, first on a year-long loan, before making the move permanent in a deal worth up to £10 million.
