Football: Bosnich comeback delayed by illness

MARK BOSNICH, the Aston Villa goalkeeper who has been out of action through injury for five months, may be forced to delay his comeback because of illness.

The Australian had been suffering from a shoulder problem, but returned as a non-playing substitute in Sunday's goalless draw at Wimbledon. However, he now has a severe dose of flu ahead of Saturday's home match against Coventry - the game John Gregory, the Villa manager, had earmarked for his return.

Bosnich, who is likely to leave Villa at the end of the season, has been advised to stay away from the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground. "He was suffering with flu during the game on Sunday so we have kept him away from the other players for the past couple of days as a caution and he has not trained with us," Gregory said.

"Hopefully he will make a quick recovery because we are pleased with everything he has done so far in terms of coming back from the shoulder problem. He still has three days - but he needs to feel comfortable with his diving before he declares himself fully fit."

Gregory is anxious for Bosnich's return as he conceded just two goals in his eight games before the injury - suffered against Saturday's opponents, Coventry, on 3 October.