Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has confirmed that spots in his starting line-up are up for grabs.

Villa, who drew to lowly Wolves on the weekend, face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light in the Carling Cup tonight with O'Neill expected to recall England striker Emile Heskey to the first eleven.

Other players who may be give an opportunity in the first team include Nigel Reo-Coker, who seems to have apologised for his outburst towards O'Neill last month, Leeds signing Fabian Delph and right-back Luke Young, although O'Neill declined to name names.

"I think there are positions in the side up for grabs and so they should be because it's not as if we're sitting top of the league," said O'Neill in regards to his side to take on the Black Cats.