Former Reading full back Nicky Shorey has been reassured by Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neil that he is still a part of his first team plans.

Shorey signed for Villa in the summer for a reported £4 Million fee but so far has struggled to keep a regular place in the first team. In the first third of the season, Shorey has made eleven appearances but has only managed to complete a full game on four occasions.

O’Neil said “…Nicky (Shorey), he will come again. At this minute he's trying to get used to the environment and what I'm asking him to do…He's a lovely footballer”.

Besides Luke Young, Shorey will soon be competing with the fit again Wilfred Bouma.