Aston Villa right back John Gidman could be out of action for as much as two months after straining ligaments in his left ankle during Villa’s 2-0 win over Ipswich at Portman Road.

At first it was feared that the England international had broken his left ankle having turned over on it in the 70th minute after Clive Woods had won the ball from him.

But it was not until after examination at Ipswich Hospital on Saturday evening that Gidman was told he had strained ligaments.

Said Villa manager Ron Saunders yesterday: “At this stage it is impossible to say exactly how long John will be out. It could be anything between two and seven to eight weeks.

“He had his ankle put in plaster yesterday and we won’t now for certain until the plaster is removed in about a week’s time.

“Nobody is to blame for what happened. He went for the ball, checked, and seemed to go over on his ankle.”

Saunders is also concerned about an injury to his other defender Gordon Smith:

“He jarred a knee and it is very swollen.” he said. “Again we shall have to wait about 48 hours before we know the extent of his injury.

The sight of Gidman being carried off on a stretcher naturally cast a shadow over the proceedings but it failed to dampen the enthusiasm of a much improved Villa side.

The return of Tommy Craig to the midfield gave the Midlanders more poise and control, despite the fact that Craig is not fully fit having only two games in the reserves since his last first team game in March.

But perhaps the most comforting sight for the particularly melodic group of Villa supporters who had made the ling trip was the form and clever interplay between strikers Brian Little and Andy Gray.

Little had a field day. A series of long skilful runs in which he took on and beat several players had Ipswich manager Bobby Robson praising him rather than disciplining his own back four.

“I don’t think our lads were at fault.” he said. “Little and Gray are very good players and it’s as simple as that.

Fearless Gray

Gray produced the sort of form that has earned him such praise in the past. His cleverly headed flick-ons and fearless challenges in the air blended perfectly with Little’s speed and skill.

John Gregory opened the scoring in the 17th minute after a well worked move involving Gidman, Gordon Cowans and Little.

And then in the 90th minute Gray netted from the penalty spot after an earlier shot had been punched over the bar by defender Mick Mills.