Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is not expecting Curtis Davies to return for another six months - even though the defender is more optimistic.

Davies suffered a ruptured Achilles against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in early March and last week revealed his hopes of being available shortly after the start of next season.

But O'Neill is aware of the need to err on the side of caution with an injury used to be viewed as career-threatening.

"Yes, Curtis is doing really well. He has a really positive outlook and if anyone can come back quicker than planned, it is Curtis," O'Neill said.

"But for all that, I don't expect to see him back until October or November time.

"It is one of those injuries where, if you start trying to come back too early, the sheath in the Achilles can go.

"However, even if Curtis is a month ahead in his rehabilitation programme our club doctor (Roddy McDonald) has said that we have to be very careful - and we will be."