Villa´s Reo-Coker in hot water after O´Neill row

Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker is in hot water with Martin O’Neill after being sent home from training following a bust-up with the Premier League club’s manager.

Reports on Friday claimed Reo-Coker had become engaged in a shoving match with O’Neill after expressing unhappiness at being substituted during last Sunday’s 1-0 win at local rivals Birmingham.

The former West Ham star is also said to be frustrated by O’Neill decision to use him primarily as a right-back rather than in his preferred midfield role.

When Reo-Coker arrived for training at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath complex on Friday, he was told to stay away until Monday.

O’Neill confirmed that he had been involved in a disagreement with Reo-Coker, but said it was a verbal rather than physical clash.

“There was a mishap on the training ground. It’s a common occurrence between players but on this occasion, unfortunately, it was between the manager and a player,” O’Neill told Villa’s website.

“There was a bit of a contretemps and that is unfortunate. Nigel didn’t train this morning (Friday) and obviously won’t play tomorrow (Saturday).

“There were no fisticuffs. There was no wrestling to the ground as reported in one newspaper. That was a figment of the onlookers’ imagination.

“But there was enough for me to treat the incident seriously enough. I have dealt with the issue how I see fit and that’s the end of it.

“Come Monday, we’re back to normal again. I am the custodian of this place – my rules apply.”

Reo-Coker was linked with a move to Tottenham during the close-season and his confrontation with O’Neill will undoubtedly cast a doubt over his long-term future at the club despite his manager’s assurance that he won’t bear a grudge.