Bolton Wanderers midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker feels Aston Villa will stay up.

Reo-Coker fears the club he once skippered lack the dogs of war required to survive a relegation scrap after letting Ashley Young, Stewart Downing, John Carew, Luke Young and himself go walkies last summer.

The Wanderers star, 27, said: "It's a credit to the Villa academy but it's a lot to ask of these lads.

"People don't understand how intense the Premier League is now. Gone are the days when youngsters can play week in, week out.

"If you look at how Arsenal and Manchester United do it, you bleed them in, play them for a couple of games then take them out.

"I don't know the whole situation at Villa but the youngsters are doing the best they can.

"I'm sure they'll turn it around because there's a really brave bunch of lads in there.

"But they're in a relegation fight now. It's a new learning experience and it's a lot for young players to come into and take on board in the Premier League."