Ron Atkinson had a tough decision to make that weekend whose third-place Aston Villa was set to take on Newcastle at home that weekend. Veteran keeper Nigel Spink was recalled for the midweek UEFA cup game but Australian Mark Bosnich who established himself a season earlier was pressing for a recall.
Mark Bosnich said “I can’t think of a big club where there is such intense rivalry for the goalkeeping slot. They’ve all got settled number ones. Nigel had his chance when I was put through suspension and took it very well but then I had a lucky break and got back in when he injured his groin. I tried to make the most of my opportunity and to give the gaffer a headache.”