Sutton joins Villa for O'Neill reunion
Sutton struggled for goals at Midlands rivals Birmingham
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Tuesday, 03, Oct 2006 10:18
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has brought another of his former Celtic charges to the club, snapping up striker Chris Sutton as a free agent.
Once the most expensive player in British football when he signed for Blackburn for £5 million in July 1994, Sutton was released by Birmingham City when they were relegated from the top flight at the end of last season.
He will join other former Bhoys Didier Agathe and Stilian Petrov at Villa Park on a deal that lasts until the end of the current term.
"I don't feel I've got a point to prove. I just want to do well. First and foremost I want to get fully fit and get into contention," the 33 year-old marksman told the official club website.
O'Neill turned to a familiar face after the news that the Luke Moore's shoulder injury might rule the young forward out for the rest of the season.
Sutton himself is recovering from an operation on a complaint of his own, but his boss has faith that he can help maintain Villa's impressive early-season momentum.
"I'm really pleased that Chris has come to join us. I obviously know him from Celtic and know what he's capable of," O'Neill said.
"He's come through a rigorous medical completely unscathed and a fit Chris Sutton will definitely add strength to the squad."