Image:Alex McLeish: Praised his players after they held Stoke to a goalless draw
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish was satisfied with his side's performance after they held Stoke to a draw at the Britannia Stadium.
Villa boss admits Heskey could be out 'for a while'
Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish was satisfied with his side's performance after they held Stoke to a Boxing Day draw at the Britannia Stadium.
The Midlanders produced a strong defensive display, with centre-half duo Richard Dunne and James Collins putting in particularly eye-catching shifts.
McLeish was disappointed not to have taken three points but praised his players for holding on for a goalless stalemate.
He said: "I thought the team played well. We had some good moments, passed it quite well and showed some composure.
"If we had a wee bit more finesse in the final third we could have got an even better result."
Injury
Forward Emile Heskey was forced off at half-time and McLeish admits he could be sidelined for some time.
He said: "Emile Heskey couldn't go on with his ongoing Achilles problem, he might be out for a while now."
The Villa manager was unsure whether Darren Bent would return from injury to face Chelsea on Saturday.
McLeish said: "I don't know. We thought he was ready for this one.
"He will have a scan in the morning. If there is new fluid we will know it is a fresh injury, if not he will be close (to facing Chelsea)."
