Alex McLeish hails ‘terrific’ Stephen Warnock and hints he will give him a second chance at Aston Villa

Stephen Warnock, Aston Villa(Getty Images)

Related Links

Teams

Players

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish insists the slate has been wiped clean for full-back Stephen Warnock.

Previous manager Gerard Houllier froze out the former Liverpool player last season, with the 29-year-old being forced to train with the reserves and youth team under the Frenchman as his Villa Park future looked bleak.

However, McLeish, who made the controversial move from local rivals Birmingham City, is adamant that every player will have the chance to prove their worth to the team, none more so than Warnock.

He said: “Stephen’s attitude has been phenomenal and that’s what I expect of top pros playing at a top level.

“He’s trained really well. He played for England not so long ago and I think he’s a terrific player.

“I need to see if he can be part of the future here.

“He has come back in and for me has staked his claim with his attitude alone.”