AZ Alkmaar chief Earnie Stewart has come to the rescue of former Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar.

Vlaar, who has been linked with Southampton, has been banned from using Feyenoord facilities as he recovers from knee surgery.

But Stewart, the former Coventry City striker, has offered the services of AZ to the Dutchman.

"As a club we have the philosophy that we accept such requests from players who have meant something to AZ. Previously, for instance, Nick van der Velden, Simon Cziommer and Willie Overtoom have trained here.

"Currently Mounir El Hamdaoui is building himself up," said Stewart.