"I was told by a doctor I would never be able to do any sport, I wouldn't be able to do certain jobs I wouldn't be a pilot, I wouldn't be a surgeon but I always wanted to play sport so I kept going." Having registered 15 clean sheets last season, bettered only by Manchester City and Chelsea, Villa's back-line have conceded 20 goals in their opening 11 games. Only Newcastle and Norwich have leaked more. on Monday night that his extension until the 2024 European Championships 'shouldn't take long' - so there's an expectation that this is done before 2021 is out. Could it even be before the Nations League draw, scheduled for December 16th? He may have survived a scare on 1 but hit a nerveless 38 to leave his side in a good position. However, he will probably be disappointed with the manner of his dismissal.Mark Watt