Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is delighted with the progress of Moustapha Salifou.

O'Neill said: "I want competition in the middle of the field. Moustapha Salifou is doing very well and his fitness has improved immensely.

"He's done exceptionally well in the reserve team and he won't be too far away so that's encouraging.

"We also had Isaiah Osbourne back on Saturday at Sunderland and, in terms of competition in midfield, there's competition for places which is encouraging despite the size of the squad."