Wilkins: Reo-Coker is new McCann

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Wilkins has first-hand knowledge of Reo-Coker through working alongside him as an England Under-21 coach during their recent European Championship qualifying campaign, and he is confident Reo-Coker can fill the shoes of McCann - who has moved from Villa to Bolton - after completing his £8.5million move from West Ham.

Wilkins said: "Nigel is first class as a bloke and as a player and with the Under-21s he was the ideal captain. I think the move to Villa is perfect for him and the club. It will suit Villa because Nigel is a younger and fresher version of Gavin McCann."

He added: "I saw him being interviewed recently when he said the time had come for him to move on and leave West Ham and I think he was right.

"It would also suit Nigel because Birmingham is not too far from London, which is important when young lads are moving away from home."

Reo-Coker, who penned a four-year deal, has become Villa's second most expensive signing after striker Juan Pablo Angel, who cost £9.5million from River Plate six and a half years ago.

O'Neill is now expected to redouble his efforts to sign Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.