Press article:

Cut out cards - Solano - 26/12/2004

Cut out cards - Solano

Nobby Solano last night insisted that Villa must stop seeing red if they are ever to qualify for Europe again.

Villa go to Chelsea today with a squad down to the bare bones due to injuries to Gavin McCann and Jlloyd Samuel, plus the fact that on-loan Stamford Bridge striker Carlton Cole cannot play against his own club.

But they welcome back Lee Hendrie after a three-match ban - following his dismissal at Manchester City - during which time Villa did not win a game.

Solano knows all too well how expensive red cards can be as he missed the crucial run-in to the end of last season after being sent off against Middlesbrough.

Villa ultimately just failed to qualify for Europe, and Hendrie's suspension seems to have stopped them in their tracks again.

"With the rules and the size of our squad, we cannot get into stupid situations," said Solano.

"We have to be careful, play football and avoid problems. Any more sendings-off will really harm us.

"Discipline is going to be very important now, football is like that. We mustn't get involved in silly things."


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