Zog’s Villa Euro star

Posted Wednesday, July 27, 2011 by Dailystar.co.uk

Zog’s Villa Euro star
Above: Petrov is keen to welcome N'Zogbia to the Aston Villa side

ALEX McLEISH believes that Charles N’Zogbia’s explosive football can fire Aston Villa back into Europe this season.

Villa are set to complete the £9.5m signing of the Wigan star in the next 48 hours as McLeish finally lands the man he wanted to replace England winger Stewart Downing.

The French international, who scored five goals in Wigan’s last six games of the season to help save them from relegation, is set for a medical at Villa Park after the clubs agreed a fee.

Big Eck has also added keeper Shay Given to his squad since taking over at Villa last month.

And the Irishman is set to play today as Villa take on Blackburn in the opening game of the Barclays Asia Trophy.

N’Zogbia, 25, will not be here, but McLeish said: “The deal hasn’t been done yet. Charles still has to complete a medical but we believe everything else is just about there.

“It’s a great addition to the squad. Charles is an explosive player and he gives us an extra bit of quality. We finished ninth last year and we want to better that.

“You can never say 100 per cent done deal so I’m cautious. But I’m confident.

“Everyone saw Charles’ exploits last season, especially at the tail end of the campaign when he scored five goals in the last few games, which were important for Wigan to stay in the league.

“He’s an explosive type of player who can play in positions across the front.

“We needed to replace Downing with similar quality and we have.

“He has broken into the French national team and scored on their tour this summer.”

Villa skipper Stiliyan Petrov said: “Charles is an exceptional talent.

“He will be an amazing signing for Aston Villa.

“He’s improved so much in the last couple of years and we’ll be glad to have him in our team. He can do something special.”