Express and Star: Aston Villa were today hopeful that Gabby Agbonlahor will play some part in the club's hectic festive period as he battles to overcome a slight thigh strain. The 26-year-old forward was not named among the substitutes for Villa's 3-1 win at Liverpool having felt the injury.

ESPN: Nathan Baker believes Paul Lambert's policy of youth is starting to prove wrong all the doubters who tipped Aston Villa as relegation candidates this season. Lambert's high-risk strategy of filling his side full of youngsters from the start of the season has taken time to reap rewards and has led to criticism, especially with his decision to leave out record signing Darren Bent.

ClubCall: Ciaran Clark, Chris Herd and Nathan Baker have won the praise of boss Paul Lambert after some good displays in Aston Villa's defence. Villa's forwards Andi Weimann and Christian Benteke have taken all the plaudits this week following the 3-1 win at Liverpool which followed on from the 4-1 thrashing of Norwich in the Capital One Cup.

ClubCall: Paul Lambert is hopeful that Gabby Agbonlahor can shake off a thigh injury to feature in Aston Villa's busy festive fixture schedule. The Villa chief failed to name the 26-year-old England international striker in his squad on Saturday, as the side romped to a 3-1 win at Liverpool, because he felt the injury ahead of the game.

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BBC Sport: Lionel Messi has agreed a new contract with Barcelona, keeping him at the Spanish club until 2018.

Sky Sports: Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has said he will shake hands with Leeds counterpart Neil Warnock before Wednesday's Capital One Cup quarter-final at Elland Road.

*The extracts on this page are taken from various newspapers and media outlets. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Aston Villa.