McLeish brings in reformed alcoholic Alex Rae to warn Villa players about perils of booze
Published 11:44 03/11/11 By James Nursey
Alex McLeish has called in reformed alcoholic Alex Rae to lecture Aston Villa's kids about the perils of booze.
Villa's Scottish international midfielder Barry Bannan, 21, returned to training on Tuesday after his club suspension was lifted.
But Bannan may yet still be charged by police following his arrest for alleged drink-driving on October 23 at 5.30am.
Villa boss McLeish reacted strongly by suspending and dropping Bannan ahead of last Saturday's draw at Sunderland.
It is the latest embarrassment for the club after Richard Dunne and James Collins had a booze-fuelled row with coaching staff last season.
And McLeish has also since ensured Villa's academy players and young stars were lectured on Tuesday by ex-Millwall and Wolves midfielder Rae.
The Scot, 42, runs the Second Chance Project and travels to clubs to pass on advice following his own battles with drink.
McLeish said: "It's great. Alex does a lot with the academies and I think he's well respected in that field.
"He tells them in no uncertain terms about the dangers of losing your professionalism.
"We want to guide our own young ones."
McLeish did not confirm if Rae's remit included speaking to first team regulars like Bannan.
The Scot plans to wait until police enquiries conclude before deciding if further action will be taken by Villa against their midfielder.
Bannan trained on his own on Tuesday with fitness coach Adrian Lamb.
And there are no guarantees the youngster will go straight back into the Villa team for Norwich's visit on Saturday despite being one of their best players so far this season.
McLeish added: "He's back in the fold, we've brought him back up and the suspension has been lifted.
"He's feeling it a bit and he wouldn't be human if if he wasn't.
"You can't expect somebody to come in singing and dancing as if nothing's happened.
"But he's back in and the lads I'm sure will be as friendly and hospitable to Barry as they normally are.
"He will be assessed on Thursday and Friday."
