Davies warned over new deal
Martin O'Neill has warned injured defender Curtis Davies to wait for a new contract – and hit back at criticism from the defender's agent.
The Express & Star revealed on Wednesday that Davies is entitled to renegotiate improved terms after 60 games.
But the centre-back, who is out for the next four months after undergoing shoulder surgery, currently finds himself stuck on 58.
Davies' representative Phil Sproson this week described Villa's refusal to improve the ex-Albion captain's deal now as "disappointing" after he played on with the problem for six months.
The article in which he was quoted even suggested the defender may even consider his future in January.
But a defiant O'Neill has questioned the wisdom of the comments and says the club will offer the player a deal when they see fit.
"He's due a renegotiation of a contract if he plays 60 games," said O'Neill.
"I don't really want to bring this into the public domain, but I think we've pretty well looked after players at this football club – both injured players and players who have done very well.
"We had some conversations with the agent. He knows where we stand and what we were looking at. He has chosen now to come out and tell these things and that's up to him.
"I was very pleased he (Davies) played when really he probably wasn't completely fit. So, from that viewpoint we're grateful.
"Yet all of those things are taken into consideration when eventually we sit down and decide to do it. There's certain guidelines.
"But, this idea that he is considering his future, I'm not so sure that's the brightest thing an agent and a player controlling his agent should be saying."
However, O'Neill insisted the decision to send Davies for surgery after the Liverpool win was unconnected to his imminent pay review.
"I do not deny the stipulation in his contract is to reach 60," he added. "That is not the reason that I did not play him in the game against Fulham."
Meanwhile, O'Neill is optimistic Steve Sidwell will be fit to face Manchester City on Monday after missing Villa's last two games with a thigh injury.
"Steve trained yesterday," added O'Neill.
"I don't think he has had any ill effects. He is making good progress."
