Late in the second half, Herd and Huth collided while challenging for a ball in the Villa area. James Collins inadvertently made matters worse when he landed on the stricken Aussie.

Speaking about the incident, Villa manager Alex McLeish said "He felt sick after the game and has gone to hospital for a check-up but wasn't unconscious so hopefully there is no concussion."

Herd had already received treatment during the match when he knocked his head in a challenge on Peter Crouch.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Mark Schwarzer put in a full shift for Fulham in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

Schwarzer was not tested until the Blues were awarded a penalty late in the first half. The Aussie shot stopper dived the right way, but there was too much power on Frank Lampard’s shot.

Tim Cahill was rested to ensure he will be fully fit for Everton’s FA Cup semi final clash with Liverpool on Saturday. His absence did not stop the Toffee’s from routing Sunderland 4-0.

In the Championship, Richard Garcia played 90 minutes in defence as Hull City ended a five game losing streak by defeating Middlesbrough 2-1.

Scott McDonald also put in a full shift and had a shot blocked off the line early in the match. He came close again in the 73rd minute when he headed a cross wide of goal.

Neil Kilkenny played 90 minutes and provided an assist in Bristol City’s 3-1 win over Coventry.

The Aussie midfielder was a whisker away from a wonder goal when his 30-yard volley went just wide. In second half stoppage time, Kilkenny set up Kiwi striker Chris Wood, who sealed the win for Bristol.

In League One, Bailey Wright played another 90 minutes as Preston North End drew 1-1 with Stevenage.

A rare error from Wright gifted Patrick Agyemang an opportunity to give Stevenage an early lead, but his attempt sailed straight over the bar.

The young defender later made up for the mistake with a well timed sliding tackle that prevented Agyemang from getting a shot away.

Dean Bouzanis had a forgettable game between the posts as Oldham went down 3-0 to Sheffield United.

In Uzbekistan, David Carney was an unused substitute in Bunyodkor’s 3-0 win over Shortan.