O'Leary Criticises Delaney

Since joining Aston Villa from Cardiff in 1999 Mark Delaney has been one of their more consistent players when he has but had major lay offs through injury.

Aged 28, he has a contract with the club for the best part of two years, with an option for another year, yet wants his club to secure his long term future for four or five years.

Aston Villa however do not feel it necessary to offer an extension of that degree, not because he is not worth it, manager David O'Leary has told Delaney he is first choice at the club, but because they feel his current deal is long enough.

O'Leary said: "I hear that Mark is saying his loyalty is being questioned and I am very shocked by that.

"We've a lad here who has got a season and a quarter left of his contract plus the club having a extra year's option that they could take up."

He added: "I don't really know what the problem is. Nobody gives people deals with two-and-a-quarter years left."