Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill insists Nicky Shorey remains in his plans.

He featured in the Uefa Cup clash with CSKA Moscow and O'Neill has heaped praise on his attitude.

"It was absolutely the response I was hoping for from him," said O'Neill. "Certainly going forward, he's been a big help and I've been pleased with the response.

"He's in the squad and I'm not sure that, even since the time when he thought his future didn't lie here, he has been out of too many of them. I just think - and I've said this to him - that it is far too early to be making assessments on him."