Où est Johnny Deux?

[DrGonzo]

Ta PWS. GMac never rated him then, assuming GH had no input into team selection after being taken ill.

Wouldn't have been allowed any input for, as they call it, medical reasons.

[PaulTheVillan]

As soon as the international clearance comes through, I'd sell him.

Sorry Paul but you did say you would sell him in a post BEFORE you said

If Lambert wants to get rid of him, then I'd support that

Correct. Would have helped if that one poster quoted this then, and not my other one

[Tom_Mc9?]

Doubt he'll play for us again. Money down the drain.

[PeterWithesShin]

PAUL Lambert admitted he doesn’t know if forgotten man Jean Makoun will be part of his Villa plans because he has yet to see him in action.

The Cameroon midfielder has not kicked a ball under the watchful eye of the new manager and his absence shows no immediate signs of coming to an end due to an ongoing work permit problem.

Whether £5 million Makoun will become part of Lambert’s plans is simply unknown at this stage because the Scot has no first-hand knowledge of what the 29-year-old is capable of producing.

Some of the confusion surrounding his unknown squad number was cleared up this week when Villa issued him the No.17 shirt but it is still not clear when his paperwork will finally go through.

When asked why Makoun hasn’t been around since his arrival Lambert said: “It is because of the work permit.

“He has not been with us since I’ve been here so we’ll have to wait on that.

“Will he be part of my plans? I haven’t seen him yet. I’ll have to wait and see.

“I know the work permit is a big thing here and the group at the minute is very good.

“I am trying to build the squad and we will see what happens.

“The group are coming along nicely and that is all you can ask for.”

The extra documentation is required following Makoun’s year-long loan spell with Olympiakos in Greece.

Part of the complications appear to be his inability to pass an English language test as his lessons ended when he temporarily moved away from the Midlands last season. Initially, the delay was not thought to be serious but just two weeks remain until the first game of the season and Makoun could potentially make a difference to Villa’s Premier League campaign.

Missing almost the entire pre-season programme will, of course, leave him weeks behind his team-mates in terms of fitness if he was to return and feature.

Last season the £5 million signing was deemed surplus to requirements by ex-boss Alex McLeish and spent the season helping Olympiakos win the league.

Lambert does have plenty of options available to him in midfield but Makoun has the experience that could help Villa’s youngsters flourish.

One man who is showing great promise is Brett Holman.

The versatile attacker scored his second goal of pre-season against Peterborough on Wednesday and may get a start in today’s pre-seaqson friendly at Nottingham Forest.

“Brett has looked like a very clever player so far,” said Lambert.

“He is a smart player who has impressed me and I’ve seen a few things in him that proves he is a very talented player.

“He is a player that I am looking forward to watching when it starts for real as I am the rest of the lads.

“I am sure the guys who are new are excited about the start of the season.

“I think Brett is a player who can be both a provider of goals and someone who can score them as well.

“If he can contribute to the team that is the most important thing because as I’ve said before we’re a team not a group of individuals.”

[Salsa Party Animal]

We should find a good striker from French League and buy him with JMII plus cash. It will solve both problems.

[garyshawsknee]

Is he still unable to play tomorrow? I'm surprised PL hasn't maneuvered him back to France by now.

[PaulTheVillan]

Would be very surprised to see him play for us again.

[PaulTheVillan]

Nice long holiday?

[supertom]

That can't be for real surely? I like how the article uses the word "permits" several times! Ha ha. Really if the situation isn't gonna be resolved before December, we need to shift him on. If that is true, it seems like he's not in any great rush to sort his English out.

[PeterWithesShin]

Are we paying him during this time?

[The Left Side]

Nice work if you can get it!

[Confusious says]

Johnny Deaux 11  OFF TO RENNES.

what a loss of money, but maybe best for Lambert to have a clear out and make room for his choice to come in!

[Dave]

Are we paying him during this time?

Can't see how we wouldn't be.

He's contracted to us and has put himself at the club's disposal. Even if we can't actually do anything with him at the moment.

[not3bad]

Season long loan to Rennes:

http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~2885961,00.html

[The Left Side]

Hmmm wonder if there is a agreed fee at the end of the season, I think we paid about 8 million for him didn't we?