Osbourne close to Villa start

Villa boss Martin O'Neill has no qualms about throwing in young midfielder Isaiah Osbourne at Bolton tomorrow - if he's fit.

O'Neill has two changes enforced on him through suspensions to goalkeeper Scott Carson and midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.

Osbourne, who has been nursing a groin injury from the 6-0 reserves' rout of Chelsea on Monday, could be the man to fill Reo-Coker's boots - at least short term.

The homegown 19-year-old, who broke into O'Neill's team last season with nine appearances, has been a doubt all week for the trip to the Trotters.

O'Neill insists Osbourne is going from strength to strength as the Academy product continues to impress.

"He's improving all the time and he's a much better player - a much more confident player - than he was this time last year when I first brought him into the squad," said the Villa chief.

"He's got stronger and I think he's doing really well. There are always loads of things young kids do well at - because this is the time when they learn the most. But he's still doing very well.

"I don't have any real qualms about him playing in the Premier League. Of course he can improve, but he's capable.

"Now you feel as if he's got enough confidence to do well, whereas this time last year it might have been a bit of a blur to him.

"He got injured on Monday night, but hopefully he'll be OK - it was one of those where he was stretching for the ball and fell awkwardly.

"The doctor assessed him on Monday night and it's around about the same area as his previous groin problem. But we're hoping it's not too serious."