Ex-City star Chris Sutton may join Aston Villa on a short-term contract. The 33-year-old striker Nigel Worthington ruled out as a possible signing could team up with his former Celtic boss, Martin O'Neill, at Villa Park.

Ex-City star Chris Sutton may join Aston Villa on a short-term contract.

The 33-year-old striker Nigel Worthington ruled out as a possible signing could team up with his former Celtic boss, Martin O'Neill, at Villa Park.

O'Neill may be without striker Luke Moore for the rest of the season after he suffered a recurrence of a shoulder injury in Saturday's 1-1 Premiership draw at Chelsea.

Sutton, who has had a groin operation since leaving Birmingham at the end of last season, was many fans' choice for a return to Carrow Road in the summer.

But Worthington steadfastly refused to consider such a move, citing the player's injury problems as a concern.

Sutton, who has moved back to Norfolk with his family, was also linked with Ipswich before the start of the season.