Nigel Reo-Coker set to captain Villa

Renaissance man Nigel Reo-Coker was today poised to complete a remarkable turnaround in fortunes by being made Villa captain for the rest of the year.

With Stiliyan Petrov out with knee ligament damage for the next two months, as revealed in late editions of yesterday's Express & Star, the captain's armband is up for grabs.

Reo-Coker, who has revived his Villa career under Gerard Houllier after being involved in a sensational training ground bust-up with Martin O'Neill a year ago, is the hot favourite after taking over duties at Sunderland on Saturday.

Houllier, speaking ahead of tomorrow's Carling Cup clash with Burnley at Villa Park, believes Reo-Coker has all the qualities to lead the claret and blues but stopped short of confirming he will be handed the role.

The manager said: "He was the captain when Stiliyan left Sunderland. It is a team with a group of leaders, whether it is the goalkeeper, two centre backs or Nigel, there have experience and leadership.

"But Nigel has been at the club for four years nearly. He has done well since I have been here. He leads by example and his work rate is absolutely spot on.

"We will decide in the week whether it is him but first of all we have to play against Burnley."

With Fabian Delph also injured, Petrov's injury will open the door to Steve Sidwell who, like Reo-Coker, looked to be heading for the exit door in the summer after being made available for transfer by O'Neill.

Houllier added: "Sidwell will definitely be given a chance. It is not easy when you come on but he did well. He'll play against Burnley.

"He had a bit of an Achilles problem earlier in the season but I'm pleased we treated it conservatively."

Villa have been dealt another injury setback today, after derby-day goal king Gabby Agbonlahor joined Luke Young in being ruled out of Sunday's Second-City showdown with Birmingham.

Houllier added: "Gabby has had the groin operation and it will soon be time for him to do the training.

"I don't think he will be back for the derby - the earliest option could be Fulham.

"Luke Young's hamstring injury means he will be back in a week or two."