Gary McAllister says on-loan midfielder Michael Bradley could yet earn a permanent deal at Aston Villa.
McAllister says Reo-Coker and Friedel futures need sorting
Gary McAllister says Michael Bradley could yet earn a permanent deal at Aston Villa after confirming talks are expected to be held with Brad Friedel and Nigel Reo-Coker.
Bradley joined Villa on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach in January, but the midfielder has yet to make an impact in the Premier League.
He has made just one substitute's appearance in the league and Villa's battle for top-flight survival has restricted the USA international's opportunities to catch the eye.
However, McAllister has been impressed by Bradley in training and will discuss with manager Gerard Houllier whether the 23-year-old merits a long-term offer.
Fantastic professional
"With four games to go it is something that Gerard and I will be speaking about because there are two or three guys in the same boat as Michael," said Villa's assistant manager in the
Birmingham Mail.
"It's true that it has been hard to play him in the situation we have been in at a time when we have had senior experienced players available.
"That is purely all that has held him back, nothing else, because his attitude has been top drawer.
"He is a fantastic professional for such a young guy - he is captain of his country, don't forget, and he is a top player.
"He has done enough on the training ground to suggest there might be something come the end of the season because he is an honest, hard-working guy as well as a good player."
Meanwhile, Villa are also set to hold discussions with goalkeeper Friedel and midfielder Reo-Coker, who are both out of contract at the end of the season.
Villa boss Houllier is currently in hospital following a health scare and McAllister feels the two players understand why talks are on hold.
He added: "I think we need to be sat down with Gerard, the chairman and chief executive Paul Faulkner because they are very important for people's lives.
"We're aware of the situation and it will all be sorted. There has been no direct dialogue with these guys yet but I'm sure they understand the situation."
