Salifou granted work permit

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed that Moustapha Salifou will join up with his squad in the next few days after being granted a work permit.

The Togo international signed a one-year deal with Villa on the last day of the transfer window.

But the 24-year-old has been training with his former club FC Wil in Switzerland while awaiting confirmation of his clearance.

O'Neill explained that Salifou will join up with his fellow team-mates shortly, and he plans to assess the midfielder's fitness upon his arrival.

Difficulty

"Moustapha had a bit of difficulty in getting a permit but I've been told by the agent he should now be here in the next day or so," he explained.

"He obviously hasn't been playing so we will have to have a look and see what sort of shape he is in."

Meanwhile Curtis Davies has revealed that he is 'chomping at the bit' to impress O'Neill in his debut.

The Northern Irish tactician confirmed that the on-loan centre-back will play in Wednesday's Carling Cup clash against Leicester City.

Chomping at the bit

Davies is now determined to deliver an outstanding display that could well provide his manager with a selection headache ahead of the Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday.

"It's great that I am going to get the chance to make my debut," he said.

"I have been a regular player wherever I've played and I hope sooner or later to be the same at Villa. I'd certainly like to give him a headache for the Tottenham game.

"If I can do as well as I know I can, then hopefully it will be a very hard decision for him. I am chomping at the bit to do well."

Skysports

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Moustapha Salifou has linked up with his Aston Villa team-mates after the midfielder was finally granted a work permit. Villa manager Martin O'Neill signed the Togo international on transfer deadline day but the club and the player have had to endure a frustrating wait for almost two months. The 24-year-old is now likely to play some part in Villa's reserve match against Chelsea on Monday.

[andy villa]

strange signing...

hope he does well...