Delph ‘fit and ready to help’

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The Aston Villa midfielder sat out training last week ahead of the friendly against Republic of Ireland and was left on the bench for the whole of a goalless draw in Dublin.

But Delph’s long-standing niggle – aggravated during Villa’s FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal – has eased ahead of the meeting between Group E’s top two in Ljubljana.

He told Sky Sports News HQ: “It’s a knock I’ve had for eight weeks, but I’ve managed to settle it down with some of the treatment I’ve had here. I’ve trained every day since the last game, so I’m fully fit and raring to go.

“I’m really keen to get on the pitch and try to help the boys. I’m not a fan of being injured – no one is – so it’s been nice to get a few sessions, and I’m looking forward to the game.”

Roy Hodgson has started Delph on the left of a midfield diamond in both England’s away qualifiers to date, a role the 25-year-old is comfortable filling.

He said: “We play a diamond with Villa or a flat 4-3-3, so I’ve been playing that position for quite a few years. I’d say it suits me.”