McLeish: Jenas injury ´tragic´

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has described Jermaine Jenas’ season-ending Achilles injury as ‘tragic’.

Jenas, on a season-long loan from fellow English Premier League club Tottenham, ruptured his Achilles tendon in his first start for the club – a 1-0 loss to Manchester United on Saturday.

The 28-year-old was hoping his move to Villa would reignite his England career after falling out of favour at Tottenham under Harry Redknapp, but the latest setback is likely to sideline him for six months, bringing a premature end to his campaign.

McLeish, whose side are ninth ahead of a trip to Bolton on Saturday, was upset by the news of the injury on Thursday.

“This is tragic for Jermaine and, of course, we are all deeply disappointed for him,” McLeish said.

“To lose a player of his talent and experience is bad enough but never to have seen him play enough in the Villa shirt for our fans to appreciate the player he is, that’s terrible bad luck.”

“Obviously, we wish Jermaine as speedy a recovery as possible and a full recovery, too.”

“He has been a great professional to have at the club since he arrived on loan in August.”