Aston Villa veteran ready for Blackburn clash

Pires has agreed to join Aston Villa, due to the club’s current injury crisis.

“It’s no problem for me to play on Sunday,” said Pires. “I’ve been training with Arsenal for two months and I’m happy and in good form.

“I just have to see Aston Villa’s medical staff at the end of the week and, if I’ve signed, I hope to be part of the trip to Blackburn on Sunday.”

Pires added: “Nothing’s done yet, nothing’s been signed, but the talks with Gerard Houllier are going well.

“Now let’s say I just have to convince the team doctor and hopefully I will sign before the end of the week.

“The medical is set for Thursday or Friday, so we’ll see first what happens in the last meeting with Gerard Houllier and everyone else from Aston Villa. Things are going well, though.

“It (the deal) would be for six months or longer, but there are still some things to sort out, although I assure everyone it’s not in terms of finances.”