Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish won't allow Ciaran Clark to go out on-loan.

The 22-year-old will continue as a Villa understudy to central duo Richard Dunne and James Collins.

"I just could not afford to do that (send him out on loan)," said McLeish.

"There's been a bit of consistency of selection recently so it's been difficult for him to get in ahead of the two centre-halves.

"He can play in midfield so he can provide cover injuries-wise but we're still only 15 games in and he has played some cup games."