Robert Pires has joined Villa until the end of the season.

The former Arsenal playmaker has put pen to paper on a contract in claret and blue.

Villa, however, are still awaiting international clearance for him to play a part in Sunday's game with Blackburn.

The 37-year-old will add valuable experience to the ranks after winning a host of trophies during a glorious career to date.

The one-time left-wing star, now moved to the central ground, signed for Villa as a free agent after being released by Villarreal in the summer.

Pires, who will wear the number eight shirt, arrives with a stunning portfolio, having won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the 2002 Footballer of the Year prize during his six year stay with Arsenal.

His fleet-of-foot and intelligent football brain was vital in the Gunners machine of the early 2000s.

Pires, speaking immediately and exclusively after penning the new deal, told AVTV: "I can't wait to play and put on that new shirt. It is very exciting.

"I am very happy to join Aston Villa because it's a big club in England.

"I am also thrilled to have the chance of working with Gerard Houllier. I know him.

"I had a good opportunity two months ago to train with Arsenal. Thanks to Arsene Wenger for that.

"Now this move represents a new opportunity and a new challenge for me. I am very happy to start.

"I can't wait to put that shirt on and play for Aston Villa. I am proud to play for Villa and to the fans, I'd like to say 'see you soon at Villa Park.'

Villa manager Gerard Houllier said: "Robert is an experienced player with a good mentality and he can help the players here, particularly our younger players.

"I believe he can bring a lot to the team and I'm delighted to welcome him here."

Assistant manager Gary McAllister welcomed the opportunity of working with Pires and believes his sheer presence will have a positive effect on the whole squad.

He said: "He is a proven winner. It gets thrown around a lot these days when people say they are a winner but he is a genuine article.

"He's a European champion and he has won the World Cup as well. He has vast experience and was a fantastic player in the Premier League for Arsenal.

"People thought he was coming to the end of his career but he went to Villareal and done well there for several seasons.

"For all the younger players - what a tremendous addition. The younger players can only learn from watching a guy like Robert on the training field.

"He will gain respect. But I am sure Robert Pires isn't coming here just to be a player that everyone is going to stand back and admire. He will want to gain the respect of the fact that he is still competitive and still able to do a job at this level."

Manager Gerard Houllier has been in talks today with representatives of midfield maestro Robert Pires.

The 37-year-old, who is a free agent after being released by Villarreal in the summer, won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the 2002 Footballer of the Year prize during his six year stay with Arsenal.

He was also voted sixth greatest player of all-time by Arsenal fans in an online poll as well as emerging victorious in World Cup 1998 and the European Championships of 2000.

Gary McAllister would welcome the arrival of an experienced player who would be an example for Villa's young guns.

He said: "Robert has been training at Arsenal.

"I know the boss and Arsene Wenger are very friendly and I believe he's spoken to him.

"It would be perfect. I am sure he would arrive at the training ground in good condition.

"He's a player everyone would look up to because of what he has achieved."

Get in quick to pick up tickets for Villa against Arsenal on Saturday November 27, kick-off 12.45pm -

Manchester United came back from two goals down to salvage a point against a youthful Aston Villa.

James Collins and Gabriel Agbonlahor each struck the United woodwork before Villa went ahead when Ashley Young scored from the penalty spot.

Marc Albrighton slotted in from close range as he added to Villa's lead.

But Federico Macheda gave United hope with a powerful shot and Nemanja Vidic stooped to head in a Nani cross to equalise for the visitors late on.

United's comeback provided a thrilling finale to the match but manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be left wondering why it took his team going 2-0 down for them to be sparked into life.

Ferguson had taken off misfiring striker Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov as he sent on Gabriel Obertan and Macheda with his side looking beaten but they raised themselves for a late rally to earn what had appeared an unlikely draw following the stirring efforts of Villa.

 It was the sixth draw in seven league outings for United on their travels this season and, although they kept up their unbeaten record for the campaign, that is now 12 points dropped away from home.

United had the motivation of knowing a win at Villa would close the gap to one point on Premier League leaders Chelsea, who were playing a day later, but the visitors lacked an urgency and an appetite for the game.

They were almost caught napping early on when Barry Bannan slid a ball inside right-back Wes Brown to find Stewart Downing and it needed centre-back Rio Ferdinand to come across and clear out the danger.

United did show a rare moment of threat when a poked Hernandez pass released Berbatov but his early season confidence in front of goal looks to have been eroded as he sidefooted disappointingly wide.

The visitors' lacklustre play was epitomised when a well-worked free-kick saw Nani play in Evra on the left only for his low whipped ball passing across the Villa goal without a team-mate showing a desire to get to it.

United were missing a player in the same mould as the suspended Paul Scholes, whose creative ability in spraying the ball around and getting forward from midfield was tellingly absent.

Hernandez and Berbatov both looked out-of-sorts as they were well-marshalled by a resolute Villa defence, which comprised the bulk of the team's experience.

The rest of the Villa team was predominantly made up of the club's up-and-coming talent and the more their opponents struggled the more they grew into their task.

Albrighton was a threat on the right flank, while central midfield duo Barry Bannan and Jonathan Hogg, who was making his league debut for Villa, were showing the benefits of youthful zest.

Young had a half-volley saved and Stewart Downing's shot was deflected narrowly wide off Ferdinand as the home side sensed a fragile United.

Not even a half-time teamtalk from Ferguson appeared to have forced his team into any sort of action and, instead, they only looked increasingly vulnerable after the break.

Albrighton sent a far post shot wide as Villa pressed and he then got round United left-back Evra but agonisingly headed an inviting Downing cross across goal and wide.

A fleet-footed Villa full of energy and verve were piling on the pressure and only the woodwork was coming to United's rescue.

Downing sent in another threatening ball from the left and Collins rose highest to launch a thunderous header against the crossbar.

United were rocking and, after the ball broke loose after a Vidic tackle on Young, Agbonlahor crashed a shot off the United post.

There was the fear Villa would pay for not making the most of their pressure but they were rewarded for their play when a counter-attack ended with Wes Brown felling Young, who picked himself up to score from the spot.

It got even better for the home side after Macheda gave the ball away and a swift and clinical Villa break ended with Albrighton slotting in after Downing crossed to the far post.

But United are renowned for their ability to keep fighting until the final whistle and Macheda drilled in an 18-yard shot which gave them a renewed belief.

When Vidic met a Nani cross at the far post and nodded in an angle header, the visitors suddenly felt a victory was within their reach.

Villa held on for a point but, a league win over United at home since 1995 still eluded them.

Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has signed a new deal running until June 2015 with the Midlands outfit. The 24-year-old is one of Villa's most highly rated players and has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract extension to show his commitment to the side. "I can't see myself playing for any other club," Villa academy product Agbonlahor told the club's website. "I am happy and I just want to keep on playing for Villa. It's my childhood club and the one I support and love." Agbonlahor has had an injury-hit campaign so far this season and has only scored once in seven outings. But he scored 16 times last season and will be hoping to soon get back among the goals after returning from a groin problem as a substitute in the 3-2 midweek win over Blackpool.  

The England international is now in contention to play against Manchester United on Saturday and his new deal will give the club a boost ahead of the Premier League game at Villa Park. "I am happy to commit to the club, " added Agbonlahor, who has scored 52 goals in nearly 200 games for Villa. "Hopefully, I can progress and keep improving on what I've done so far. "It's important nowadays to not move from club to club. If you're happy at a club stay there." The England international had spells on loan at Sheffield Wednesday and Watford before making his Villa debut in March 2006 and is currently the longest-serving player in manager Gerard Houllier's side. "I just want to make sure he keeps growing," said Houllier. "He's a local boy, it's good to keep the roots sometimes and the target is to make him a regular player for the national team."

ELEVEN Birmingham City fans involved in violent scenes following a derby game with Aston Villa have been given suspended sentences and football bans.

During the violence in September last year, missiles were thrown and a bus was surrounded and attacked a court heard.

Judge Christopher Plunkett said: "What happened in this city on September 13 last year was a serious piece of violent disorder."

He said that "mercifully" no serious injury had been caused although it had taken up a large amount of police resources and caused people just going about their lawful business to be put in fear.

The court heard that some of them later handed themselves in to police after their pictures were published in the Birmingham Mail.

Neville Bailey, 39, of Trinity Road Aston and Vernon Jourdain, 41, of James Turner Street, Winson Green had both previously admitted affray.

Trevor Chester, 22, of Kennet Grove, Chelmsley Wood, Daniel Etheridge, 19, of Warndon, Worcester, Michael Harper, 34, of Summerfield Road, Solihull, Glen Hudson, 27, of Stoneymoor Drive, Castle Bromwich, Simon Makri, 30, of Marlene Croft, Chelmsley Wood, Lee Mayors, 27, of Digby Drive, Marston Green, Paul Sheehan, 25, of Sycamore Green, Cannock, Dean Swift, 20, of Water Orton Road, Castle Bromwich, and Kenneth Wallace, 39, of Wallhouse Road, Walsall, had previously admitted violent disorder.

They were all made the subject of three year football banning orders and ordered to pay £200 costs. 

Bailey was sentenced to nine months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work.

Chester was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to do 175 hours unpaid work.

Etheridge was given an eight month sentence suspended for two years and also ordered to do 175 hours unpaid work.

Harper received a 12 month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work as was Swift and Wallace.

Hudson was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work as was Jourdain.

Makri was given a 12 month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work.

Mayors was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work.

Sheehan received an eight month sentence suspended for two years and was ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work.

Madhu Rai, prosecuting at Birmingham Crown Court, said the match at St Andrew’s had kicked off at 12 noon and that just before 2pm Birmingham City supporters started to leave the ground while the majority of Aston Villa fans stayed inside celebrating their 1-0 win.

She said as they were going down the Coventry Road a large group of Birmingham fans, which included the defendants, had become disorderly and were gesturing towards the police and Aston Villa fans.

Police attempted to keep the opposing supporters apart and requested the Blues fans to leave the area but they ignored the request and started to become more hostile.

Items, including stones, bricks, bottles and other street furniture, were hurled at the police while officers were also pushed, kicked and spat at.

Police car windows were also smashed and opposing fans, who were on opposite sides of a carriage way, threw missiles at each other.

Miss Rai said there was also disorder in the Digbeth area where drivers stuck in traffic were confronted and a bus, with women and children in, was surrounded and its windows were smashed.

Gerard Houllier's appointment at Aston Villa continues to polarise opinion but he has a major chance to improve his popularity if he can continue his private hoodoo over Sir Alex Ferguson.

Houllier is in an exclusive club of managers to have regularly triumphed over Ferguson and he will head into this showdown having beaten the Scot many times during his spell at Liverpool.

In 2000 he led Liverpool to their first victory over United in ten years before embarrassing United in the 2003 League Cup Final.

The Frenchman badly needs another priceless win as he bids to recover from what has been an underwhelming start to his tenure at Villa Park.

The snooze-inducing damp squib that was the Manchester derby on Wednesday night extended United's unbeaten run to a whopping 25 games in all competitions.

However, they have now drawn five their last six Premier League away games and Ferguson urgently needs to find a solution if he is to keep up the heat on Chelsea.

Key Match-Up: Ashley Young v Rio Ferdinand. Young has been given a licence to roam in a new role that has become a necessity due to the injury crisis that has gripped Villa Park. The winger has often been accused of going "missing" against the Big Four and needs a performance here. Ferdinand is steadily finding his feet again after returning from injury and appears to be making defending look easy again.

Form Guide: Villa's win over Blackpool on Wednesday night was only their first in six games and eased a little of then tension that had been building. United are desperate to end their frustrating sequence of draws on the road as they bid to cut Chelsea's lead at the top of the league, that currently stands at four points.

Odds: Villa 7/2, United 4/5, Draw 13/5

ASTON VILLA:

Houllier faces United for the first time since 2004 on a mission to end a run for Villa that stretches back even further.

Although Martin O'Neill led Villa to an impressive win at Old Trafford last season, United have not been beaten by the Birmingham claret and blue for 15 years.

That was the famous afternoon when TV pundit Alan Hansen claimed a beaten United "won't win anything with kids" which, of course, proved horribly inaccurate.

But Houllier, who has had many duels with Ferguson over the years, is desperate to bring an end to Villa's long wait for a win over the master manager at Villa Park.

He said: "We have not won against them here in the league for a long time. It's too long but it means at some stage it will change - whether that is this year, next year or whenever.

"At some stage it has to stop. We hope in front of our fans, we can do a good job. We cannot give them too much respect, we must not watch them play.

"We had not won at Old Trafford for a long time but we managed that last year. But it will certainly be nice to catch up with Sir Alex again.

"We've met several times since I left Anfield – he's been a friend for a long time. Before and after Liverpool, coaching, foreign trips, we've been friends and whatever happens on Saturday we will remain friends.

"There was a programme made in France about his personality and achievement. He's highly regarded, I mean, he's a genius."

Strategy: While Hansen once said United won't win anything with kids, Houllier will be hoping it doesn't ring true for Villa in this game. Due to a severe injury crisis, it will be a relatively inexperienced side with the likes of Nathan Delfouneso, Barry Bannan and Ciaran Clark expected to start. Houllier will send them out to sink or swim and will be hoping it is the latter if he is to avoid a heavy defeat. The return of Gabby Agbonlahor could be crucial, as the Villa striker has proven a menace to United in recent encounters.

Injury Update: Agbonlahor could start after playing an hour against Blackpool but Carlos Cuellar (calf), Habib Beye (ankle), Nigel Reo-Coker (knee), John Carew (calf), Emile Heskey (knee), Stiliyan Petrov (knee), Steve Sidwell (Achilles), Stephen Ireland (bug) are all ruled out.

MANCHESTER UNITED:

They remain unbeaten - and in title mix - despite an indifferent start to the season by their usual high standards.

But this only spells danger to the rest of the Premier League, according to United midfielder Darron Gibson.

Ferguson's team have yet to click into top gear, but Gibson said: " Everyone's saying we're not playing that well and there's no way we'll win the title this year.

"But we haven't lost yet and we're still up there. I don't think we've been playing badly, but I know we can play a lot better.

"And when we start playing well on a consistent basis - things are only going to get better. Nobody in the squad's worrying too much as it's still only November."

United have only earned a point at Villa Park on their last two visits, but Irishman Gibson, 23, said: "It's a tough place to go. It's nothing to do with the stadium or the fans, it's just because Villa are a good team.

"They haven't started as well this season as they would have hoped but they're still a top side. We just need to create a few more chances. If we do that, I'm confident we'll score and pick up three points. We want to kick on now, keep improving and go on another winning run."

Strategy: The Manchester derby was always going to prove a tough test for United, but expect them to attack Villa more than they did their rivals in a game where they were desperate to avoid defeat.

Injury Update: Wayne Rooney misses out as he returns from his fitness programme in America. Paul Scholes is doubtful, whileMichael Owen and Owen Hargreaves (both hamstring) are out along with long-term absentee Antonio Valencia. Read More: Aston Villa Manchester United 

Feed the hare lol,  great goals, great plating the kids too again, nice to see gabby come on !!

Aston Villa (Probable, 4-4-1-1): Friedel; L Young, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; Downing, Bannan, Clark, Albrighton; A Young; Delfouneso.

Blackpool (Probable, 4-3-3): Gilks; Eardley, Keinan, Evatt, Crainey; southern, Adam, Vaughan; Taylor-Fletcher, Campbell, Varney.

Referee: Anthony Taylor. Matches: 3. R1 Y9.

Villa are unbeaten at home in the league, winning two and drawing three, and while they have scored just five goals at Villa Park they have conceded just one; only Chelsea have a better defensive record at home with no goals conceded.

Gerard Houllier’s side finally ended their goal scoring jinx, at Fulham, when Marc Albrighton – who scored their last goal – netted at Fulham on Saturday to claim the club’s first in 385 minutes.

Nigel Reo-Coker was injured at Craven Cottage and is out for up to three weeks. So Stephen Ireland or Ciaran Clark should come into midfield, where Barry Bannan, impressive at Fulham, may also continue. Steve Sidwell is out after it was decided to go ahead with an Achilles operation.

Gabriel Agbonlahor will return to the bench after five weeks out following groin surgery, but Emile Heskey and John Carew are all missing, so Nathan Delfouneso should continue in attack.

Villa have now gone five League games without a win and face a Blackpool side that boasts an impressive away record with three wins from six games on their travels.

Blackpool gave a first Premier League start to Keith southern in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Everton and Iain Dowie must decide whether to continue with the midfielder or recall Elliot Grandin. But Craig Cathcart is out with a sore knee.

Last season: N/A.

Stat of the game: This is Blackpool’s first visit to Villa Park since 1974, in the old Division Two, and their first in the top flight for more than 42 years.

Betting tip: Villa on the up. A 3-1 home win is 11-1.

Aston Villa have appointed former Real Madrid talent spotter Jeff Vetere as their new chief scout.

Vetere, who also previously worked with Charlton and Newcastle, will have the responsibility of leading Villa's bid to secure the cream of the best young players in the area.

Vetere has been chosen as successor to Ian Storey-Moore and will work closely with new Villa manager Gerard Houllier.

Villa chief executive Paul Faulkner said: 'We're delighted to have Jeff at the club. He comes with a fine pedigree as a talent spotter and is well connected in the game

An eye-catching West Midlands derby between bitter rivals Birmingham and Aston Villa was the standout tie in today's draw for the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup.

Just 24 hours before the two sides meet in the Barclays Premier League, Alex McLeish's Birmingham landed a home tie against city rivals Villa, who reached the final of the competition 12 months ago.

The Blues made hard work of reaching the last eight, narrowly overcoming npower League One outfit Brentford on penalties, while Gerard Houllier's Villa needed Stewart Downing's stunning strike to see off Championship side Burnley after extra time.

Holders Manchester United, who defeated Wolves in the last round, will continue their bid for a third successive Carling Cup win against West Ham at Upton Park.

Arsenal's reward for their emphatic 4-0 triumph at Newcastle is a last-eight encounter with 2006 finalists Wigan, while Ipswich, the only side from outside the top flight remaining in the competition, will aim to secure a semi-final berth at the expense of West Brom.

The quarter-final ties will be played in the week beginning November 29

The draw in full: Arsenal v Wigan, Birmingham v Aston Villa, West Ham v Manchester United, Ipswich v West Brom.

The 119th derby match in all competitions between these clubs and the incentive for Birmingham could hardly be greater. A victory would not only lift them above Aston Villa in the league table but also bring to an end a humiliating run of six straight defeats at the hands of their local rivals. Marc Albrighton is suspended for Villa, meaning that Ashley Young is likely to revert to the flank. Birmingham are boosted by Craig Gardner's return from a three-match ban, the midfielder one of three former Villa players in Alex McLeish's squad.  Stuart James

Venue Villa Park, Sunday midday

Tickets £25-45 (0800 612 0970)

Last season Aston Villa 1 Birmingham 0

Referee H Webb

This season's matches 6 Y23, R0, 3.83 cards per game

Odds Aston Villa 13-15 Birmingham 4-1 Draw 13-5

Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic Aston VillaSubs from Guzan, Delfouneso, Beye, Cuéllar, Bannan, Carew, Clark, Lichaj, Baker, Lowry

Doubtful Beye (ankle), Carew (virus), L Young (match fitness)

Injured Agbonlahor (groin, 21 Nov), Delph (knee, Jan), Petrov (knee, Jan), Weimann (ankle, Jan)

Suspended Albrighton (one match)

Form guide LDLWDL

Disciplinary record Y19 R0

Leading scorer Downing 3

Birmingham  Subs from Taylor, Murphy, Bowyer, Derbyshire, Jiranek, Parnaby, Phillips, Vallès, O'Connor, Míchel, Beausejour, Jerome, Redmond

Doubtful Beausejour (knee), Jerome (ankle)

Injured McFadden (knee, Feb)

Suspended None

Form guide WLLDLD

Disciplinary record Y15 R1

Leading scorer Gardner 3

Match pointers•     Gabriel Agbonlahor has scored in three of the last four derbies with Birmingham and each time in the last 15 minutes of the game

• Birmingham were unbeaten in their first six Premier League fixtures against Villa but have now lost the last six in a row

• No team has scored fewer second-half goals than Villa this season (two)

• Cameron Jerome has been caught offside more times (14) than any other player

• Villa have gone 254 minutes without scoring a goal in the top flight

Great Villa fans club Merchandise       Aston villa fans unite

astonvillafansunite@gmail.com

Chelsea will be joined by Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers at the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong next summer.

The Premier League-affiliated pre-season tournament will also feature the Hong Kong First Division League champions, with the teams participating in a knock-out event.

Semi-finals will be played on Wednesday, July 27, with the final and third-place matches on Saturday, July 30.

Clash: Chelsea and Aston Villa are two of the teams in next summer's Asia Cup

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti believes the fixtures will slot in suitably with his club's pre-season plans.

Ancelotti said: 'We look forward to taking part in the Barclays Asia Trophy having played matches and trained in Malaysia and Thailand before the tournament begins. Games against two Premier League sides and the Hong Kong champions will provide excellent preparation for the team ahead of the start of next season.' 

Leicester are close to signing former Aston Villa and Manchester City striker Darius Vassell. The 30-year-old, who played under new Foxes boss Sven-Goran Eriksson at Eastlands and was handed his England debut by the Swede, is a free agent after leaving Turkish side Ankaragucu and underwent a medical on Monday night.

Eriksson is keen to reshape the squad at the Walkers Stadium and has already signed defenders Curtis Davies and Kyle Naughton on loan deals from Aston Villa and Tottenham respectively.

Vassell, who began his career with Aston Villa and signed for Manchester City in a £2million deal in the summer of 2005, has been without a club since leaving Ankaragucu in May and is not match fit.

Vassell made 22 appearances for England and scored six goals.

A quickfire double from Nathan Delfouneso ensured a second victory in the space of five days for Villa's high-flying reserves.

The 19-year-old netted his second and third goals in the space of a week after youngster Graham Burke began the claret and blue revival with his 59th minute strike.

It was Wolves who made the better start and took an early lead when full-back George Elokobi bagged the first of his two headed goals.

But Delfouneso's quality told and his goals on 71 and 73 minutes sent Villa on the way to another well-earned three points.

Both sides handed opportunities to a number of first team stars in this all-West Midlands encounter.

Delfouneso, Brad Guzan, Carlos Cuellar, Eric Lichaj, Steve Sidwell and Barry Bannan - all of whom were on the bench for Villa's goalless draw against Chelsea on Saturday - were given some game time.

It was a similar story for Wolves, who handed summer signing Stephen Hunt his second appearance as he steps up his comeback from injury.

Elokobi, Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Jelle Van Damme were the other notable Premier League stars on the visitors' team-sheet.

The boys from the Black Country made the stronger start with Steven Mouyokolo heading wide after meeting Nenad Milijas' cross.

Sixty seconds later, Elokobi went one better to give Wolves a 14th minute lead.

The full-back did well to meet a Milijas corner at the near post but benefitted from goalkeeper Guzan losing his footing as the header came in.

But Villa, inspired by the driving runs of Moustapha Salifou from midfield, soon came back into the contest.

Salifou and Barry Bannan both tested Wayne Hennessey with lo

ng-range efforts, while Cuellar planted a bullet header straight at the Wales international keeper from Bannan's corner.

Aside from Marcus Bent's header wide from close range just after the break, it was all Kevin MacDonald's team in the second-half.

Youngster Burke arrived at the back post to convert Sidwell's cross for the equaliser on 59 minutes after neat exchanges on the right hand side between Sidwell and Salifou.

The game was very much in the balance before Delfouneso's quickfire double put the result beyond doubt.

The decision to replace goalscorer Burke with Courtney Cameron paid off immediately, as the tricky academy winger proved instrumental in Delfouneso's first goal.

Cameron surged down the right and squared to Delfouneso inside the box.

The striker moved the ball left to Hogg, who patiently held up the ball before rounding Hennessey and returning to Delfouneso to hammer it home.

Then, within two minutes, it was game over. Bannan and Sidwell combined to send Delfouneso clear out left.

The England under-21s forward jinked his way inside the Wolves box and nestled a left-foot strike into the top corner with the aid of a slight deflection.

Wolves grabbed a stoppage time consolation - Elokobi making the most of a goalmouth scramble to nod home his second of the night.

VILLA: Guzan; Berry, Cuellar, Lowry, Lichaj; Hogg, Sidwell, Salifou, Bannan; Delfouneso, Burke. Subs: Parish, Cameron (for Burke 66), Williams (for Berry, 87), Carruthers, Johnson (for Bannan, 79).

WOLVES: Hennessey, Mouyokolo, Batth, Elokobi, Ebanks-Landell, Mujangi, Van Damme, Milijas, Hunt, Bent, Ebanks-Blake. Subs: Hemmings (for Hunt 72), McCarey, Malone, Rooney (for Mujangi, 85), Winnall (for Van Damme, 85).

Robert Pires has issued a come-and-get-me plea to any Premier League suitors interested in his services, and revealed he was desperate to finish his career playing in England.

The ex-Arsenal ace, 36, is back training with the Gunners after leaving Villarreal last summer, but Arsene Wenger appears happy with his midfield options and unwilling to offer his former favourite a contract, leaving Pires free to find a new club elsewhere in the country.

The former France midfielder was most enthusiastic about a move to Aston Villa, saying he would 'jump at' the chance to join Gerard Houllier's outfit, but also mentioned by name Birmingham City and Stoke City as potential new clubs.

Look who's back: Robert Pires in training with Arsenal on Monday - but Arsene Wenger appears unwilling to offer his former midfielder a contract

Pires also talked up a potential move to Championship leaders Queens Park Rangers and insisted he was not looking for a short-term contract despite his age.

Leicester, now managed by former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson, are also said to be in the running to sign Pires, having been linked with a move for the midfielder in the summer.

'I spent six beautiful years at Arsenal,' Pires told French newspaper L'Equipe. 'London became my home and I knew I would come back. On a professional level, I can imagine continuing my career here.

Adios: Pires left Spanish side Villarreal last summer

'Arsenal have offered me the opportunity to train and I can't thank Arsene Wenger enough. I am working with the reserves and sometimes with the first team, which is perfect.

'England is probably the place where I have the best chance to find a club. In England, people don't look at your age. In Spain it was not the case, which is why I had to move on.

'Even for a club like Birmingham or Stoke City? Of course, if I have an opportunity from Aston Villa, I will jump at it. But I will analyse any proposition. I don't want to go anywhere and fight every weekend against relegation.

'QPR? I would be attracted. I am not necessarily looking for a six-month contract. I could imagine myself playing much longer. I will give myself until January 31. If at the end of the winter transfer market I have not found a club, I will hang up my boots.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1321516/Ex-Arsenal-ace-Robert-Pires-reveals-choice-new-club-Aston-Villa-Birmingham-Stoke--QPR.html#ixzz12nqtPVu4

Aston Villa are tracking promising Toulouse winger Franck Tabanou, the player's agent has hinted.

The left winger is well known to Villa Park boss Gerard Houllier after coming through the France youth system and he played for Les Bleus Under 21s in their 3-1 friendly win against Denmark on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old has also been linked with Juventus after impressing for Toulouse this season and his agent said: 'These two clubs (Villa and Juve) are not mentioned by chance - and there are others following him.'

He is under contract till 2013 and Toulouse will want a good fee who, alongside 21-year-old Tottenham target Moussa Sissoko, is considered one of the club's bright hopes for the future.

Tabanou admitted last week that being reunited with former France technical director Houllier was an exciting prospect.

'If this rumour is true, I am proud because Aston Villa have been one of the big English clubs for several years,' said the left-sided player.

'Now I play for Toulouse and don't think about it too much. But it would be a lie to say that this club doesn't interest me. If they make an offer, then we'll see.'

Aston Villa are tracking promising Toulouse winger Franck Tabanou, the player's agent has hinted.

The left winger is well known to Villa Park boss Gerard Houllier after coming through the France youth system and he played for Les Bleus Under 21s in their 3-1 friendly win against Denmark on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old has also been linked with Juventus after impressing for Toulouse this season and his agent said: 'These two clubs (Villa and Juve) are not mentioned by chance - and there are others following him.'

He is under contract till 2013 and Toulouse will want a good fee who, alongside 21-year-old Tottenham target Moussa Sissoko, is considered one of the club's bright hopes for the future.

Tabanou admitted last week that being reunited with former France technical director Houllier was an exciting prospect.

'If this rumour is true, I am proud because Aston Villa have been one of the big English clubs for several years,' said the left-sided player.

'Now I play for Toulouse and don't think about it too much. But it would be a lie to say that this club doesn't interest me. If they make an offer, then we'll see.'

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