Delaney sidelined by knee surgery

Delaney last played for Aston Villa in February this year

Aston Villa's injury-prone defender Mark Delaney faces another six weeks out after having knee surgery.

Delaney looked to be over the knee ligament injury that ruined last season when he played for Wales in mid-August.

But the 30-year-old, who has yet to play for Villa this season, felt more discomfort earlier this month and has now opted for another operation.

"He had his cartilage trimmed so he'll be out for a few weeks," said Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

"It is better sorting it out now than waiting around. He's had terrible luck."

Delaney has not yet played for Villa under his new boss O'Neill, managing only to make the substitute's bench for the Barclays Premiership game with Newcastle last month before the injury curse struck again.

The former Cardiff City defender is in the final year of his current deal with Villa, but O'Neill is prepared to leave the door open for him to prove himself this season to earn a new contract.

"I think that everything will depend on him playing pretty regularly in the first team, which he is capable of doing," O'Neill added.

"A fit Mark Delaney would be an asset to us, but I think at this stage, in September, it is too early for me to think what might happen."

A succession on knee problems limited Delaney to just 16 club games last season.

His last appearance for the club was in the FA Cup fifth round match against Manchester City in February.