Olly Still Hurting

Olof Mellberg admits the pain of Monday¡¦s derby defeat has been all the more acute because he was wearing the captain¡¦s armband for the 2-0 reverse.

But, despite the latest huge setback, the classy Swede believes the future can be bright for an increasingly youthful Villa.

Mellberg, probably Villa¡¦s most consistent performer this term, commented: ¡§We¡¦ve got Gareth Barry, Jlloyd Samuel, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Stefan Moore and Darius Vassell ¡V they¡¦re young and they¡¦ve been some of our key players this season.

¡§I do think that¡¦s important for the future, and I hope they will stay a long time at Villa. Joey Gudjonsson is another young player who has done well since he signed.¡¨

The Swedish international ace is not exactly a veteran himself at 25, but he aims to set the perfect example for his young team-mates.

He added: ¡§To be captain makes me proud ¡V especially when we do well. You feel happier when you win as a captain, because you feel more responsible. But that works the other way when you lose. It¡¦s harder being the captain then."