Barry Bannan has apologised to Aston Villa fans after being knocked out of the Carling Cup by Bolton.
Midfielder accepts team were below par in Carling Cup
Barry Bannan has apologised to Aston Villa fans after being knocked out of the Carling Cup by Bolton on Tuesday.
A crowd of over 22,000 saw Alex McLeish's men lose 2-0 at home to a Bolton side which is second-bottom after four straight defeats in the Premier League.
Villa were booed at the final whistle, despite it being their first defeat of the season, but Bannan insists he understands the supporters' reaction.
"We'd like to apologise to fans because they turned out in their numbers again," said the Scotland midfielder.
"It was great support but we let them down.
"Fans pay good money to watch us and, if we're not doing the business, they have every right to criticise us.
"We have to take that and try to bounce back and show that we are good enough - and we want to start this weekend against QPR."
Cuellar comeback
Villa are in sixth place ahead of the weekend and have been boosted by the news Carlos Cuellar is poised to return to full training.
The Spanish defender has missed the start of the season as a calf problem has delayed his return to full fitness after undergoing knee surgery towards the end of last term.
"I'm really close to being back," said Cuellar. "If the progress continues to go as well as it is going, I'll be back with the group next week.
"I'm about to start training with the rest of the team and to fight for a place."
