Beye & Faye Return For Villa

Defenders Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye are on their way home from Ghana and the African Cup of Nations after Senegal were knocked out after drawing against South Africa - who were also eliminated from the competition. Manager Kevin Keegan is eagerly awaiting their return after failing to win a game since he took charge of the club.

Keegan told the gazette:

"I feel a bit sorry for them, as Senegal probably had the players to even win the tournament.

But the other part of it is that they're going to come back and be involved against Aston Villa, and with the size of our squad, that's a big plus.

Half of you wants them to do well, but the other half wants them to come back."

He also emphasised how pleased he is to have several key men back after suspension, bail conditions, injury and the cup have seen him short on players.

"It's a massive increase when you have a squad this small.

One minute you've got a squad of 16, then you've got a squad of 20.

There's always little things that can happen, like Charles N'Zogbia not being available against Aston Villa because he's suspended.

But that's why you need a squad - you're looking for players to force themselves into the team."

Keegan will have Emre, Barton, Beye and Faye all available for the Villa match next weekend and will look forward to the return of top goalscorer Obafemi Martins and Midfielder Geremi when they eventually complete their international commitments.

Keegan failed to secure any senior players in the January transfer window, but did bring in a few young players who may eventually force their way through to the first team.