David O'Leary will inform Carlton Cole of his plans at the end of the season.
David O'Leary will inform Carlton Cole whether he has a future at Aston Villa after the final game of the season.The on-loan striker has been disappointing since joining from Premiership champions Chelsea in the summer, netting just three times during the current campaign.
O'Leary has been granted a transfer war chest by Villa supremo Doug Ellis, and has publicly stated his desire to bring in a striker to enhance his attacking options.
It remains to be seen whether the Irish tactician will stump up for the 21-year-old, although he insisted Cole has proved his potential during his stay in Birmingham.
"Once the season's over I'm going to speak to him," O'Leary told the club's official website.
"I think it's only fair that we tell the people involved what's going to happen and that hasn't been done yet.
"Without a doubt we've seen glimpses of his talent and there is potential there."
O'Leary also had words of support for Mathieu Berson, insisting that the French midfielder has a future at Villa Park despite his inability to settle in the area.
The summer signing has started just seven games during the current campaign, although his boss backed the player to make more of a substantial impact next time around.
"Mathieu has found it hard, with the language and other things," O'Leary continued.
"He left an environment he had never left before and came to a big city.
"He didn't know anyone and it's been very hard for everyone involved.
"We do know he's a good little football player and hopefully next season he'll know what he's coming back to.
"His English will probably be a lot better as well and that will undoubtedly help him make more of an impact."
