Megson puts Aston Villa among the country’s top flight

Nov 6 2009 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Post

“They will be smarting a little bit from that, but it won’t have any impact on this game.”

Meanwhile, troubled Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne has joined Championship promotion contenders Middlesbrough on a two-month loan.

The 21-year-old arrived at the Riverside yesterday to train with his new team-mates and is eligible to play in Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. New Boro boss Gordon Strachan came in to take the youngster who has not been part of manager Martin O’Neill’s reckoning this season.

The Birminmgham born midfielder has been at Villa for three seasons but has made just 29 appearances and spent time at Nottingham Forest last season on loan.

Strachan said: “I’ve known about Isaiah for about a year and he’ll bring us more strength in the midfield area where we’re definitely short on numbers.

“He’s not a flair player but he’s a continuity player and will give us strength, height and get about the pitch.” Osbourne said: “I’m very happy to be here. This feels like a Premier League club and I’m looking forward to working with Gordon Strachan.

“Martin O’Neill and Stilyan Petrov both spoke highly of him.

‘‘I’m here for two months and I’m looking no further than that but I hope to play a few games and help the team.

“I played for Forest in the Championship last season so I know what it’s about.

‘‘I know it’s a lot quicker than the Premier flight, that’s for sure!”