Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has admitted that his side are in danger of being dragged into a relegation scrap.

The Midlands club are currently sitting in 15th, five points above the bottom three, and the Scottish coach is concerned that like the team could be pulled back into the relegation battle.

“I don’t think I have ever not been worried this season," he told Mirror Football.

“We have to look to get to at least 40 points. That is the target I’d be giving to the players and get to that target as quickly as possible.

“I think we could have been better with some of the points we have thrown away.

“But we have been weakened by injuries. Birmingham were also definitely significantly weakened after winning the Cup final - losing about five or six key players.

“That does make your job much harder without doubt. But I care, I am conscientious and try and leave no stone unturned.

“I am a deep thinker about things. I am concentrating on winning enough games to make sure Villa is OK," he concluded.

Villa are currently without long-term absentees Richard Dunne,  Darren Bent and now captain Stiliyan Petrov.

By Gareth McKnight

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