Collymore started on the bench for this evenings game and came on for the last 18 minutes of the game with Villa trailing 2 nil.

Collymore,  who hasn't played for Villa since walking out before the Fulham game on January 23rd, was believed to be weeks away from a footballing return.

'Stan the Man' claimed he was suffering from stress and booked himself into an exclusive hospital for treatment, however his 'stress' stories didn't cut much ice with Villa boss John Gregory.

It was claimed Gregory had had enough of the troublesome star and was prepared to sell him for a cut down 2mil price, however after heavy losses on misfit Sasa Curcic and free transfer Steve Staunton it is believed Doug Ellis would strongly resent this.