Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie is expected to be in David O'Leary's squad today after it emerged yesterday that he pleaded guilty to common assault.
However, the club is to take no official action against the 28-year-old who was sentenced to 60 hours community service after he admitted attacking a man in Solihull town centre.
Father of two Hendrie appeared at Solihull Magistrates' Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to the assault of Jamie May on August 21. He was not ordered to pay a fine or compensation.
The assault happened at the rear of the Touchwood shopping centre, where revellers spill out of bars and clubs to wait for taxis.
Two further charges of causing harassment, alarm and distress and using threatening, abusive or insulting words, were withdrawn.
The club "reminded" Hendrie of his responsibilities as a player and role model after the assault was revealed.
But Aston Villa spokesman Phil Mepham said he "anticipated that he would be in the squad" for the home game against Premier League strugglers Portsmouth.
He added: "Clearly Lee has been dealt with through the courts but as a player at Aston Villa he has been reminded of his responsibilities as a professional footballer and a role model.
"It was an external incident and whilst we appreciate he is a high profile person at the club, it was dealt with by the courts."
His sentence comes just days after Birmingham City player Jermaine Pennant was told by his club to make headlines on the back pages rather than the front.
Pennant was hauled before Blues manager Steve Bruce following publication of pictures allegedly showing him being thrown out of a Birmingham club after brawling with a doorman.
Hendrie had a similar warning from his manager last September after getting caught up in a fight at a Page Three girl's birthday party.
The player was also banned from driving for 12 months in 2003 after being caught one and a half times over the legal alcohol limit.
Jonathan Fear, editor of a Villa fans website, said: "Everything that comes out of Villa Park is bad news.
"Hendrie has been given chance after chance by every Villa manager he has played under. He always says he will grow up but then gets himself into more and more trouble.
"We really don't need this sort of news coming out of Villa Park."
