Boss urges caution on Bouma; VILLA NEWS.

MARTIN O'Neill has urged caution with regards to Wilfred Bouma, insisting Villa cannot expect "miracles" from the popular Dutch defender despite his return to fitness.

O'Neill took in last night's reserve game where Bouma made a 90 minute comeback from injury as Villa beat Chelsea 4-3.

But O'Neill is not getting carried away. "We can't ask too much from Wilfred yet.

He will be really tired after that because, remember, it was his first game back," he said.

"It was a proper game at Villa Park.

"He is pretty fit and raring to go but we can't expect miracles of him."

Bouma's return came on the day midfielder Isaiah Osbourne joined Nottingham Forest on a two-month loan.

O'Neill added: "I wouldn't say it was necessarily the case of one man out because of Wilfred returning because they play in different positions.

"But in the time Isiah is away (with Forest) there is an international break.

"We know that we have got 11 games to go. This gives Isiah the chance to go and play for a cause.

"Whether he comes back in 28 days or at the end of the season, hopefully by that time he will have done himself and Nottingham Forest the power of good."

Osbourne, 21, has made only three starts this season - against FH Hafnarfjordur, MSK Zilina and QPR - and it is felt he needs a fresh challenge.

CAPTION(S):

Wilfred Bouma.