Ron Vlaar: Aston Villa must be strong despite defeat
ASTON VILLA captain Ron Vlaar today urged his team-mates to "stay strong" despite a demoralising defeat to Southampton at the weekend.
The claret and blues are licking their wounds following their 4-1 thrashing to the Premier League newboys at St Mary's, and must now pick themselves up for a testing Capital One Cup tie with Manchester City tomorrow.
And Dutch defender Vlaar is keen to see a positive reaction from his colleagues at the Etihad Stadium even though City are overwhelming favourites.
"We can play well as a team, we know this, but we didn't do it in the second half against Southampton and that's disappointing for everybody – the players, the manager and the coaching staff and, of course, our fans," said Vlaar.
"We've got to stay strong now and we have another game tomorrow which we need to prepare for."
Meanwhile, Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland is a serious fitness concern to face former club City tomorrow according to boss Paul Lambert.
The 26-year-old Irishman was substituted at half-time against Southampton with a serious arm injury.
