Reo-Coker has future insists O'Neill

The feuding pair had to be separated by players at Bodymoor on Thursday after becoming embroiled in a heated verbal exchange.

The midfielder was sent home from training yesterday and left out of today's squad for the visit of Portsmouth.

But O'Neill is adamant the matter will be closed from Monday, and insists there is "no reason" why the 25-year-old won't play for Villa again.

He said: "There was a bit of a contretemps. There were no fisticuffs or wrestling to the ground, as an onlooker said.

"But it was enough for me to treat the incident seriously. My rules apply and players have to get used to my rules.

"Will he wear the shirt again? There's no reason why not. He will be in contention like everyone else for Wednesday's League Cup game against Cardiff."

Reo-Coker is thought to have been frustrated by being regularly played out of position last season and, despite returning to his favoured central midfield role this term, has looked unimpressed at being substituted in Villa's last two games.

O'Neill will now decide whether to fine the player, who is believed to earn around £40,000 a week, on Monday.

He said: "I have not fined anyone at this minute."

The manager was keen to draw a line under the incident and attempted to take the sting out of it with his usual dry humour.

He added: "I'm not the biggest but I'll not shy away from something. I've taken my share of hammerings. Do you remember the centre-half Sammy Chapman? He was about four inches taller than me and three-and-a-half stones heavier.

"I stood my ground with him and I got three punches in on my way down.

"John O'Hare picked me up off the floor and said: "Very brave, squire, but very foolish. I'd think before doing that again."

"I took his advice for about five weeks, then had the living daylights beaten out of me again."