Sutton to mull over Villa future

Sutton has revived his career at Aston Villa

Chris Sutton will postpone any decision on his future at Aston Villa until the end of the season.

Sutton, 33, contemplated retirement at the end of last season and his one-year deal at Villa Park expires next summer.

The former Celtic striker said: "I'm on a short-term contract but that suits me and I want to do as well as I possibly can when I'm fit.

"The way I see it, I'm going to put everything into things and then see what happens next summer."

Prior to joining Villa, Sutton had an injury-plagued spell at Birmingham City before undergoing surgery to cure a groin problem.

Sutton then got the call from Martin O'Neill when his former Parkhead boss was appointed at Villa.

O'Neill has targeted Villa's Premiership game against Sheffield United on 11 December as a possible comeback date for Sutton, currently sidelined with a calf problem.

A scan has revealed no long-term damage, although he has already been ruled out of Villa's home clash with Manchester City and the visit to Portsmouth.

O'Neill said: "It's a shame for Chris as he did the injury while out for a run by himself."