Aston Villa
vs
Wolverhampton
Venue: Villa Park
Kick-off: 12:05 (GMT)
McLeish seeks replacement for Young Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish is looking to bring in a quickfire replacement for QPR-bound Luke Young but has ruled out a travel for the midfield duo of Scott Parker and Darron Gibson. Villa have accepted an undisclosed present from Rangers for former England international Young, who is holding talks with Rangers. McLeish, whose side entertain Wolves on Saturday, has to adopt a 'sell to buy' policy if he is to bring in any fresh blood before the transfer window closes on Wednesday. McLeish said: "QPR have lay a bid in for Luke which the club have accepted and he is talking to them now with my approval - as long as we can add to the squad. "The deal is not done so far but the indications are he will go to QPR. We will be looking to bolster the squad with an experienced player. If we are slim on the ground, it is (in terms of) experience. "We have got a file of players. We have to be ready with some names pro the board." When asked about Gibson, McLeish said: "He is not someone we have on the radar. We have discussed him in the history amongst other midfielders. But it is unlikely." McLeish was equally adamant about Parker and said "Definitely not him but you could name 100 names and it is not my policy to talk about players until we dot the i's and cross the t's." McLeish believes Wolves are brimming with the confidence that has come from securing a third season of top-flight football. But he has been encouraged by the response of the Villa players whil he took charge in the summer. McLeish said: "They are into the third year and it makes such a difference in terms of ability. "You can see what it has done for Stoke, a fantastic example to anybody. "Wolves have started this term with the confidence of the last two seasons in the Premier League. That is what that foothold in the league does for you. "But I am seeing signs of progress here. I've seen that, a lot of fine things. "It is about reassuring the players about how well they've done and what they can do and what they can improve on. I've seen a few great moments." Villa strikers Gabriel Agbonlahor (hamstring) and Emile Heskey (groin) are well. Youngster Chris Herd could replace Young even if he is still a Villa player tomorrow as he is suffering from a knee injury. Mick McCarthy admits he was "amazed" by McLeish's dramatic summer move from Birmingham to Aston Villa but is adamant buffs will be won over if he produces positive results. Wolves boss McCarthy was due to enjoy a summer break with close friend McLeish before Blues' relegation from the Barclays Premier League spoiled that plan. He was as surprised as anybody when McLeish switched to Villa Park and caused protests from supporters of both clubs but is adamant he will be "a really good manager" for the claret and blues. McCarthy said: "Alex started right in the 'minus column' in season of affection from Villa fans. "But I love how they've turned it around now by saying he is their hero because he took Birmingham down. "I thought Alex had won the lottery (going to Villa) to be honest because, if Wolves had got relegated, would West Brom have come and got me if Roy Hodgson had left? Probably not! "I was only amazed by it, by all the happenings. I was actually due to be away with Alex and he didn't come because of Birmingham's relegation. "I guess you should not at all be surprised with what happens in football but I was a little bit in this instance - and I'm thrilled for him. "I was at the Villa game on Saturday (against Blackburn) and it was great to see him get a warm welcome and to get the result he needed. "But it's all well and good getting a warm welcome. You've got to win games and then you will win the supporters more." McCarthy added: "I just think he will be a really good manager for them. "He is a top bloke, solid fellow, knows his football, and proved he is a awfully good manager. "They've got four points, a draw away, a win at home, what more can you do? It's been a great start for him."






































