Peace Cup live, speculation, sniffs and Steve Sidwell

I'm going to start with Steve Sidwell as he's come out the past few days talking about filling the space that Barry has left and well, I know some of you will think it isn't possible, but I think it is and I hope he succeeds.

You see, my view on Barry is a fairly simple one and I really don't think we lost much when he sold his soul and joined Manchester City. Sure, he had a good left foot and could pass the ball sixty yards, which on three times in twelve seasons resulted in a goal, but he didn't track back because he was too slow, couldn't tackle and had no ability to get past a man.

Some of you will think I'm jumping on a bandwagon by saying this, but it really is what I've thought for a few seasons now and others will remember. Others will also remember that I think Sidwell can do a job for us and if ever he wanted an opportunity, then this is it and if he fails to take it and give it 110% for every second he is on that pitch, then Sidwell will only have himself to blame.

He has to try and get back to basics, concentrate on the simple stuff and not stop for a second when he is playing. He has to play the simple balls and make it difficult for the opposition. He has to know, before the ball comes to him what he is going to do and he has to believe in himself that his decisions are the right ones.

Sidwell has to get back to the player we know he can be and if he does, he can become an excellent player for us, but he also needs the likes of Milner and Young to use those channels and he needs Petrov to work with him; if it all happens and Sidwell takes his opportunity, I fancy we've got our partner for Stan.

What I'm trying to say is, it's more about how they all play together and how much they want it rather than the individual player. If it gels and if they work together, then it can be good, but it is about more than just Sidwell.

Aston Villa Peace Cup Streams

But, that is just my view, today is match day and we have some streams for you if you are not in Spain or don't have the match on TV. First up, is my favourite stream here. You have to pay for this one, but I put it full size on my monitor and just sit back. You don't get any buffering or breaks and well, for that, I can't complain.

But, there is a new kid on the block here. This one is free and I'm told has 'English commentary, high definition and no lag'. Now, you know I like free but the thing I hate more than anything is poor PR, but if there is no lag and it is free, what more do you want?

Zat Knight in Holland with Bolton

Some fairly solid speculation now surrounding Zat Knight. The Mirror are saying he went to Spain with Villa but then flew straight back for a medical at Bolton before flying out to Holland to meet up with his new team. This is a fairly specific bit of news and well, you've got to fancy, if they are going to be this specific, they must know something. It would be a pity to see him go, but there is better out there for us.

Ashley Young not going anywhere and not for £50 million

Last up for now, although this is probably going to turn into the match page for tonight so keep coming back, is Ashley Young. According to The Sun, Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid are all interested in Young but O'Neill isn't willing to sell, not even for £50mn. and Randy Lerner is supporting him on this.

Now, you all know I believe everything I read in the paper, but what happens if someone comes in with a bid of £60mn.?

Martin O'Neill
There has been no thought about selling him. If somebody came in with £50m, I would not do it. It would be up to the chairman but the last time I spoke to Randy Lerner he was not entertaining anything, at any price.

There are loads of teams who want him but he's at the right club. I could not be more strong on this. He's not going anywhere.

Right, coffee and bacon sandwich I think followed by a little bit of banter in the Aston Villa forum.

Peace Cup Live Text

One hour to go. No team news yet. I'm searching.