Agbonlahor out of Reds clash

Alex McLeish insists Gabby Agbonlahor’s one-match ban is a chance for another player to impress against Liverpool at Villa Park on Sunday.

But McLeish may be lenient with Agbonlahor's club punishment for the suspension because of the harsh nature of his fifth booking at Bolton.

Emile Heskey is believed to be the front runner to replace him, while Nathan Delfouneso, Andreas Weimann, Barry Bannan and Stephen Ireland are also in contention depending on which system Villa employ.

"It's a big miss being without Gabby but it gives someone else a chance to show what they can do," said McLeish.

"I think his booking was a wee bit harsh. He's worked really hard and we've tried to work hard on silly bookings at the club.

"But we have to play by the rules. It's very disappointing to lose him because he's been was excellent.

"We have rules in black and white but at the end of the day we'll consider the offence and if it was too severe then obviously we will be a bit reasonable."

Source: Birmingham Mail

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