“He [Stuart Gray] is still a little sore but more relaxed now that the initial fears have subsided. "Naturally he was worried bearing in mind that he underwent back surgery three years ago. "But his mind is now at rest that this is a muscular rather than a bone injury. "If Stuart is out for any length of time I might have to spend [some of the £600,000 Glasgow Rangers paid Villa for Mark Walters] just to get a team out. "The very good performance yesterday was tempered by the loss of Gray. "Meanwhile, there's nothing to be frightened of at the top of the division. It's being there after the 44th match that matters." Graham Taylor.