Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has assured midfielder Moustapha Salifou he remains in his plans.

O'Neill has given the 26-year-old a glimmer of hope by revealing that the Togo international midfielder has been suffering with injuries and is still in his plans.

"He has been a bit unlucky," said O'Neill. "He has had a lot of niggling injuries to contend with.

"He has spent a lot of time away on international duty and when he has been here and fit he has not been getting a run in the side.

"He has missed a few matches he might have been involved in with niggling injuries, but now he is hopefully raring to go again.

"It has been frustrating for him because he has not played the games.

"While he has been away we have brought in a few midfield players.

"We will see what happens. There's no doubt he has the makings of a decent footballer and we have a busy programme coming up soon."