 Berger was hampered by injury during his early Villa career , making few league appearances . During the first part of his second season , he only played two matches under new manager Martin O 'Neill . In November 2006 he was sent to Championship side Stoke City on loan until 4 January 2007 , following a fine of two weeks ' wages for refusing to play in a reserve game . During his time at Stoke , he started just one match and took part in a further six as a substitute . Following his return from Stoke , Berger was commended by O 'Neill on his fitness and on 7 April 2007 , Berger started his first game for Villa since October 2005 . He marked this occasion by scoring a goal in a 2 – 1 victory against Blackburn Rovers . Berger scored again on 5 May 2007 in the penultimate game of the season against Sheffield United . On 28 May 2007 , Berger agreed to sign a one @-@ year contract extension with Aston Villa . 
