By Ryan Ghee
August 30 2005

Aston Villa boss David O'Leary has insisted that Martin Laursen's footballing career is not over. After a recurrence of his long-standing knee injury, some reports suggested that the Dane's career is over but O'Leary has made it clear that Laursen will play for The Villans again in the future. Laursen's time at Aston Villa has been ruined by the persistent knee injury and he only played 12 games for the team last season. His situation had looked promising during pre-season as he strung together a series of solid performances but just a week before the new season, the injury returned yet again.

Speaking to Aston Villa's official website, David O'Leary played down the defender's injury concern. He said, "Martin is off to America on the day of the West Ham game (September 12) and we will know then what is required when he sees the surgeon out there.

"But I must stress that it is not a career-threatening situation. Martin will be able to play again. It is not make or break.

"It is a question of putting it right and how long it will take to put right. I've seen it said by people that it could be the end but it is not the case."

Aston Villa's defensive worries are set to be eased in the next 24 hours when the club should complete the signing of PSV Eindhoven's Wilfred Bouma. The Dutch international is expected to undergo a medical today and will sign for about £4m."