**Nigel Reo-Coker has been sent home from training and dropped from Aston Villa’s squad for the game against Portsmouth on Saturday for disciplinary reasons.**Villa boss Martin O’Neill admitted he had a “strong verbal disagreement” with the midfielder at training on Thursday.
However, O’Neill denied newspaper reports of a physical confrontation.
“There was a mishap on the training ground,” he told the Aston Villa website, adding that Reo-Coker would be back in training on Monday.
"It’s a common occurrence between players but on this occasion, unfortunately, it was between the manager and a player.
"There was a bit of a contretemps and that is unfortunate. Nigel didn’t train this morning and obviously won’t play tomorrow.
“I have dealt with the issue how I see fit and that’s the end of it. Come Monday, we’re back to normal again. I am the custodian of this place - my rules apply.”
O’Neill also said there was no prospect of the former West Ham player being placed on the transfer list.