SAMMY Ameobi won’t be rushed into a first start of the season at Aston Villa, Phil Parkinson has warned.

The former Newcastle United man made his long-awaited debut at Bristol City in midweek but is still short on match fitness after seven weeks out with a knee injury.

Ameobi played 35 minutes at Ashton Gate and is likely to start on the bench again on Saturday afternoon as Parkinson’s side go in search of their first win of the season.

“Getting him back out on the pitch has been absolutely huge for us but as I’ve said, we do need to be careful with him,” the manager said. “He’s a key player and there’s so much of the season left.”

Meanwhile Jeff King has also given Parkinson food for thought after a solid performance in midfield on Tuesday night – his first league start for Bolton.

The former non-leaguer made his full professional debut at West Ham in the Carabao Cup but pressed his claim for another start at Villa Park after stepping into the problematic midfield role vacated by the injured Josh Vela.

Jem Karacan returns from suspension and Will Buckley is also fit again - but King has drawn the manager’s praise.

“I thought he was great,” he said. “He played in that number 10 position, which Josh has done so well for us, and he understands the role. He tightens the team up.

“We couldn’t quite get him on the ball as much as we would have like to in attacking areas and had to put him in a wider area after the sending off but it was a good night for him.”