Ginola's big problem

Ginola has failed to live up to his billing at Villa

The latest problem to befall Aston Villa manager John Gregory may be the biggest.

Gregory is losing patience with summer signing David Ginola and has told him to lose some weight.

"He has taken some time to get to full fitness and is carrying a bit of timber," Gregory said.

"Once he has shed that he should be OK. He is aware of the fitness levels that are required and it's up to him to lose the excess.

I've no complaints about his attitude but he has to decide whether he wants to be a bit part player here or a real star

  John Gregory on Ginola

Gregory believes the Frenchman has not come to terms with his transfer from Tottenham and that his failure to move to the Midlands is not helping him settle at the club.

"It's up to David whether he moves. He hasn't been late for work yet but all this time in a car is bound to tire him."

Gregory said he wanted Ginola to make his mark at the club, and the 33-year-old did so in the best possible style when he scored a crucial goal in Villa's game against Manchester City on Saturday.

Ginola levelled the scored at 2-2, preventing an embarrassing home defeat, with a glorious 25-yard drive. It was only his seventh start in a Villa shirt.

"He has come away from 34,000 adoring fans and he has yet to prove himself with Villa to get the same kind of mass admiration.

"The supporters are waiting for it to happen - but that is what life is all about. We've seen little glimpses of what he can do.

"I have no complaints about his attitude but he has to decide whether he wants to be a bit part player here or a real star."