By Ryan Ghee
October 12 2005

Aston Villa boss David O'Leary is hopeful that both Milan Baros and Kevin Phillips will be fit for Sunday's Birmingham derby. The Villa boss admitted that he cannot guarantee their fitness but said that they have 'an outside chance' of starting the match. Milan Baros has been hampered by an achilles injury in recent weeks and he suffered a recurrence of the injury whilst playing for the Czech Republic on Saturday. However, after an intensive rehab programme, the striker is expected to take part in the Czech's must-win game against Finland this evening and should hopefully be fit when he returns to Villa Park.

Meanwhile, Kevin Phillips, who has been sidelined by a calf injury, played 60 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Notts County yesterday. The striker showed no signs of being unfit and thankfully, came through the match unscathed.

Aaron Hughes also made his return from injury as he bids to shake off the effects of a hernia operation. Again, O'Leary refused to confirm whether or not the defender will be fit for Sunday's game but did say, "I think Aaron Hughes has an outside chance."

However, it is not all good news for The Villans as David O'Leary confirmed that Lee Hendrie, Gavin McCann and Mark Delaney will all be on the sidelines for at least another week.

Speaking after yesterday's friendly, he said, "I think it will be too early for some of them. It was nice to have them back, but they'll need a lot more. They're back out fit and ready to start training again. I'd expect expect them maybe more for the Wigan and Burnley games."