Carson should be ready to face United

Aston Villa goalkeeper Scott Carson is likely to be fit to face champions Manchester United on Saturday despite pulling out of the England squad for the game with France.

Carson withdrew because of a knee problem and had a precautionary scan which revealed no long-term concerns.

A club spokesman said: "We didn't think it was anything serious but, after consultation between our own medical team and England's, it was decided a week away with the international squad may have aggravated the problem."

Villa will hope a week of treatment will enable Carson to make the trip to Old Trafford this weekend.