Laursen out (temporarily) and Heskey in (permanently)

By: Chris | January 23rd, 2009

It’s typical, vintage Villa: bugger all news in 23 days of the transfer window, and then a flurry of activity out of the blue.

Laursen ruled out for 8 weeks

Aston Villa skipper Martin Laursen has unfortunately succumbed to his knee injury and the club has confirmed that the big Dane is out for two months following surgery.

When he first signed from AC Milan, Laursen had trouble with his knees (remind you of anyone), but has had a fantastic run of appearances thanks to Martin O’Neill, improved facilities at Bodymoor and a few Lerner-funded consultations with Dr Richard Steadman.

I suppose it was inevitable that injury would eventually return, and I believe O’Neill prioritised Carlos Cuellar’s signing in August for that very reason. With Wilfred Bouma edging his way back to fitness, Cuellar should soon move alongside Curtis Davies in the middle. In all honesty I don’t think that’s any worse than Laursen and Davies.

We also have Zat Knight who, despite the appalling stick he gets from some “supporters”, is very capable.

Villa to complete Heskey signing

Now then – Emile Heskey. Aston Villa have confirmed that a £3.5m deal has been agreed with Wigan Athletic for the big forward and he is currently discussing personal terms.

I really do have mixed feelings on this one. I hated Heskey when he was at the Pornodrome, and I was no fan of his at Liverpool either. Ever since his days at Anfield, I’ve called him Rollerskates on account of him being such a big bastard and yet falling over so easily.

That said, I was won over – like many – by his recent England performances, and have come to see his value as a non-striking striker. I’m sure Michael Owen and Amr Zaki would agree.

So here’s my take. I’m not jumping for joy, but I think he can do a job for us. I think Gabby Agbonlahor will score more goals, and I think Heskey will provide the focus we lack without big John Carew. I’ll support Heskey like any other Villa player.

What do you think of this transfer?