Laursen regrets rushing comeback

Aston Villa skipper Martin Laursen admits he is paying the price for trying to rush back into action too soon after his knee problem.

The central defender has been sidelined since early January and has been sorely missed during Villa's current dismal run.

He said: "I had a problem with my knee on the second day of training out in Dubai and it was a real blow after my recovery seemed to be coming along so well."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill had been hopeful of the former AC Milan player returning against Manchester United at Old Trafford on April 5.

But Laursen suffered a reaction during Villa's current training break in Dubai and concedes he pushed himself too hard to return.

He continued: "It's been so frustrating because I am desperate to play again, but I've realised that you can't rush back from injuries like this.

"I think I possibly tried to do too much so it will be a case of taking things more slowly this time."

Laursen has not completely ruled out the possibility of facing the Red Devils and much will depend on the progress he makes with his rehabilitation during the international break.

He said: "I had earmarked the United game as a possible comeback but that will depend on how things go over the next couple of weeks."