Alex McLeish pleased with Pepe Reina absence

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has admitted that the absence of Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina on Saturday is a good thing for the Midlands club.

The Spaniard will miss the match at Anfield after he was hit with a three-match ban following his red card in last weekend's defeat at Newcastle United.

"His distribution has to be one of the best in the world, so we can't say we are not delighted he is not playing," McLeish told reporters.

Summer signing Alexander Doni is expected to make his debut between the posts for the Merseysiders.