Ward dealt second midfield blow with Staniforth out for season

Aston Villa boss Carla Ward has confirmed midfielder Lucy Staniforth will miss the rest of the season due to an ankle issue. 

Ward said the 31-year-old, who has 17 England caps, is set for surgery after suffering a "bizarre" injury in the warm-up prior to last week's League Cup match against Sunderland.

Since then, Villa have also lost Staniforth's fellow midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown, with the youngster joining Manchester City on transfer deadline day.

Ward said: "Lucy Stan and Laura Brown have been ever-present in our midfield, so it's a massive hole. Lucy has been excellent for us.

"It's an injury that requires intervention and we'll get that done on Wednesday and get her ready for pre-season."

England Under-23s international Blindkilde Brown, 20, made her move with Villa saying City had triggered a "substantial" buyout clause in her contract — reported to be £200,000.

Ward said: "I think naturally we're disappointed with the Browny situation. When the call came in, I think the first thought is, 'Absolutely no chance'.

"City hit that clause and then we sat down with Laura, and I think the fact that City's midfield is in the position they're in [with Jill Roord injured] and Laura's got an opportunity to go in there and play straight away, go for a title and try to finish in the Champions League spots.

"It's something for her as an individual she simply couldn't turn down.

"She's a fantastic talent. I think City have got a bargain. Personally I'm absolutely gutted that she's no longer here."

Villa announced today that they have signed Liverpool midfielder Miri Taylor on loan for the rest of the season, with Ward hopeful her new recruit can hit the ground running.

She added: "Miri has a great physique, can break up play, can play in a number of positions and is a very welcome addition at this point."

Taylor could make her debut on Saturday when Villa host struggling Bristol City in the Women's Super League.