O'Leary: Lay off Samuel
David O'Leary has told the boo-boys to lay off Jlloyd Samuel.
David O'Leary has told the boo-boys to lay off Jlloyd Samuel.
Samuel starts against Chelsea on Wednesday aiming to prove he may have a future at Villa after all.
The 24-year-old full back had seemed set for a deadline-day move to Charlton when Alan Curbishley stepped up his interest in the player.
However, a deal was not pushed through and Samuel will keep his place in the side against Chelsea, despite being a target for abuse in the games against Manchester City and Doncaster.
O'Leary is now looking for the crowd to get behind Samuel in the same way they get behind fans' favourite Gareth Barry.
He told the Birmingham Mail: "It's been very disappointing the stick that Jlloyd has been getting.
"Gareth is like Jlloyd, they are both home-grown lads who are trying to do their best for the football club.
"Managers of all clubs can take stick but to be giving it to home-grown players, I don't think it is right."
Samuel himself is determined to take his chance to silence the boo-boys.
"I can only keep doing what I am doing."
He added: "As long as I am doing justice to myself then I am keeping myself right."
Samuel has played 14 times for Villa this season.
