Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey is a fitness doubt for the home Carling Cup clash with Cardiff.

Heskey suffered an ankle injury after coming on as a substitute during the second half of Saturday's 2-0 home success over Portsmouth.

Martin O'Neill is set to make changes and midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker could be involved after being axed for the Pompey match following a training ground spat with the Villa manager.

The likes of Nicky Shorey, Craig Gardner, Habib Beye, Fabian Delph, Brad Guzan and Nathan Delfouneso may also get a starting spot.