AYEW TO PLAY...WAITING ON KODJA

Aston Villa and AFCON: The latest on Jonathan Kodjia and Jordan Ayew
By Mat Kendrick

Steve Bruce provided an update after the draw with Leeds United

Aston Villa have been granted permission to play Jordan Ayew against Cardiff City - but are still waiting for the nod over Jonathan Kodjia's involvement.

Both players are due to report for African Cup of Nations training duty with their respective countries next week.

Ghana have given Ayew dispensation to play at Cardiff on Monday, but Villa have not yet heard back from Ivory Coast about Kodjia.

"We've got permission off Ghana," confirmed Villa boss Steve Bruce. "We're now wanting the Ivory Coast (to do the same).

"Really I can't understand why they can't just play the game and then let them join up in Paris.

"They're in a training camp for 10 days. But we hope that the Ivory Coast federation show a bit of sense and hopefully allow Jonathan to stay.

"We've got permission off Ghana, so I believe, so Ayew is available for Cardiff. We're just waiting to hear about Kodjia."

Asked when he hopes to hear, Bruce joked: "Well, it's Christmas and the Ivory Coast I think is shut down - I'll say no more."

Grealish very doubtful with deadleg.

Warnock really got under their skin last time:

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/f ... e-12384178

Grealish was targeted by Neil Warnock's Cardiff during the 3-1 victory at Villa Park at the end of November and was involved in an altercation with the Welsh side's boss after the match.

Something Bruce is only too aware of. He added: "Cardiff will give him a dead leg again! They gave him two dead legs a month ago!"

After seeing them play last night Bruce should be gutted they are not going.

After seeing them play last night Bruce should be gutted they are not going.

Both are excellent players and would walk into any team in this league, even Newcastle IMO. Hopefully Kodja doesn't play but the thing is with Villa is they have depth in that department.

When does Manga have to leave for Gabon?

someone mentioned on twitter the ivory coast are not allowing kodgia permission to play on monday .