McLeish seeks strength in depth

Alex McLeish admits Aston Villa need to acquire greater strength in depth after being reduced to 11 fit senior players via injuries to winger Charles N'Zogbia and full-back Alan Hutton.

McLeish had to field a substitutes' bench of six Academy products during Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Arsenal. The absence of N'Zogbia and Hutton for up to four and three weeks respectively with knee and calf setbacks will place an even greater strain on his squad for the remainder of the campaign.

McLeish said: "Arsenal were able to throw on a couple of players worth £30 million. Don't forget the disparity between us, in terms of quality and the strength of squad. Longer term we need more depth, absolutely."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2012, All Rights Reserved.