By 4two
August 7 2003

Villa boss David O'Leary has praised his former teammate Paul Merson, and believes he will have big impact on our season.

Villa boss David O'Leary has revealed he still believes Paul Merson could still do a job in the Premiership.

"I think that Paul could still do a job in the Premiership if he was used in the right way. He is that special player.

"I am not saying you could get every game out of him. But he has a great football brain.

"All I can say is that he can only help Walsall improve. He will be a great benefit to them and he is a good person with it as well."

We already know we have a player of immense quality. Redknapp would have gladly kept him at Fratton Park, other clubs tried to lure Merson away from the Saddlers. Where exactly Merson will line up on Saturday remains to be seen, but he is sure to have an impact on the outcome.