Sidebar

28
Thu, Mar
25 New Articles

Typography

Aston Villa manager Brian Little is keeping his fingers crossed that leading scorer Dwight Yorke can cope with two high pressure games in 48 hours as he launched his preparations today to keep a grip on the Coca-Cola Cup.

Yorke was in action yesterday for Trinidad and Tobago in a vital World Cup qualifier against the United States and then faces a gruelling flight back to England today in time for tomorrow's fourth round clash at high-flying Wimbledon.

Yorke's presence against the Dons would be a massive boost for Little particularly as last season's leading scorer has regained his goalden touch and has been on target seven times in the last seven games.

Little said: "Dwight has told me that he will be back in time for the game with Wimbledon and that is a boost in terms of having someone of his quality available for selection.

"But we will have to assess him before we name the side for Tuesday's game in terms of how tired he is after his schedule."

Yorke, who missed Saturday's 2-1 away success over Coventry, is also ruled out of the Premier League clash with Wimbledon on December 22 because of World Cup demands.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mark Bosnich will take his first steps on the comeback trail today after his injury-hit start to the campaign.

Bosnich will start light training as he strives to regain full fitness after a double knee setback has confined him to just four senior appearances this season.

Bosnich is desperate to kick start his season into life after his injury problems and being found guilty by the Football Association of misconduct over his Hitler style salute towards Tottenham fans last month.

Villa could have Yorke available for the remainder of the season as Trinidad's 1-0 defeat at the hands of the United States dashed their hopes of qualifying for the 1998 World Cup finals in France.

Trinidad have taken only one point from four games and Villa are understood to have an agreement whereby Yorke will not be called up for international duty if qualification became an impossibility.

That would mean Yorke would now be eligible for Villa's Premier League match against Wimbledon on December 22 instead of being away with his country.