Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill admits he will have his work cut out to find an adequate replacement for captain Martin Laursen.

VIDEO: ASTON VILLA boss has heaped praised on defender Martin Laursen

Aston Villa defender Martin Laursen has confirmed he will announce his retirement at a press conference on Friday.

Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen is expected to announce his retirement through injury on Friday.

Injured Aston Villa star Martin Laursen has revealed he will make a decision on his future early next week.

Martin O’Neill admits Aston Villa have sorely missed the “big heart” of injured skipper Martin Laursen after a frustrating end to the season.Laursen is expected to finally announce he will be quitting the game during the next few days after the latest in a long line of knee setbacks.

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill has promised to deliver an update on the status of injured defender Martin Laursen next week.O’Neill expects to have definite news on the future of the crocked Danish centre-back next week but he is pessimistic about his chances of playing again.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill reveals Martin Laursen’s chances of playing again are looking “gloomy”.

Martin O’Neill will leave it entirely in the hands of crocked Aston Villa skipper Martin Laursen to decide on his future.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill will leave it entirely in the hands of crocked skipper Martin Laursen to decide on his future.Laursen has seen a specialist after suffering the latest in a long line of knee setbacks, which has ruled him out for the remainder of the season.