Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has blamed injuries to key players for his side's 2-0 defeat at home to Liverpool.

In the absence of Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Chris Herd, goals from Craig Bellamy and Martin Skrtl earned the Merseysiders the victory at Villa Park.

"It's all about the players who are missing," McLeish told Sky Sports News.

"You've got to realise that Gabby Agbonlahor has been in tremendous form this season and Darren Bent has been as well.

"Young Chris Herd has done a great job for us in the middle of midfield. These players are not missed lightly."

The loss has seen McLeish's side remain 10th in the Premier League table.