• Premier League

Villa release Heskey, Cuellar and Guzan

Emile Heskey is one of three senior players who have been released by Aston Villa © PA Photos

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Aston Villa have released out-of-contract trio Emile Heskey, Carlos Cuellar and Brad Guzan.

Heskey, 34, leaves Villa Park after three-and-a-half years with the club, though he managed just nine league goals that time.

The former England international revealed after the final Premier League game of the season that he had not been offered a new contract and would be continuing his career elsewhere.

Cuellar, 30, arrived at Villa four years ago from Rangers for a substantial £7.8 million fee but despite managing 17 league starts in 2011-12 he is also heading for pastures new. He has signalled his desire to remain in England.

USA international goalkeeper Guzan has played second fiddle to Shay Given all season and was keen to depart in search of first-team football.

"For me, my first and foremost priority is sorting out my club situation because at my age I need to be playing games," Guzan told the Wolverhampton Express and Star.

"I want to be playing games and I think I've proven, not only to myself but to my team-mates and to coaches, that I can play at the highest level and if given the opportunity I can play well.

"When you get that taste of first-team experience you want more of it, and for me, going back to a back-up role was frustrating. It was definitely frustrating.

"At the top level you may only get one chance and when you get that chance you have to take it. Fortunately for me, I think I was able to when I came in and now hopefully I'm able to reap the benefits in terms of going somewhere and getting a starting spot.''

Ebby Nelson Addy, Connor Taylor, Charlie Ward, Reece Caira, Richard Bryan, Matthew Coton, Darious Darkin and Seb Jenkins have also been released from the academy..

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