Certain respectable news outlets have classified Darren Bent as being "touch and go" for Aston Villa's match against Everton at the weekend. Granted, some of us, particularly those of us who have just woken up and haven't had more than half a cup of coffee, think using "touch and go" in the same sentence as Darren Bent, a man who slept with his coach's daughter, might not be the absolute best bit of phrasing, the premise remains true -- Villa will be waiting to see whether Bent will be fit for the trip to Goodison Park.

As belatedly mentioned on 7500 last week, Bent picked up a groin injury while training with England, forcing him out of the match against Bulgaria and back to Bodymoor on Sunday, leaving him in Birmingham rather than playing against Wales today. Here's hoping it's just a little niggle and he's well enough to take the pitch against Everton.

Meanwhile, I've got my eye on Ireland (the country, not the player) and will be letting you know the status of Shay GIven, who's also got a groin, or possibly a back, or maybe both, injury. This Villa + Slovakia supporter really, really hopes he doesn't play.

(Note to self: next time have a story about Ashley Young, try to find a way to work in "touch and go." Quite fitting.)