Hendrie back in

Midfielder Lee Hendrie is back in contention for Aston Villa, who are looking to end a five-game run without a win at home to Middlesbrough.

Hendrie has been sidelined for three weeks after suffering a calf injury in the Second City derby with Birmingham City.

Villa manager David O’Leary hopes skipper Olof Mellberg and striker Darius Vassell will be fit to return.

The duo missed the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United last weekend after both sustained hamstring injuries in the Carling Cup clash with Leicester.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD: Sorensen, Delaney, Mellberg, Dublin, Johnsen, Samuel, De la Cruz, McCann, Barry, Hitzlsperger, Whittingham, Hendrie, Vassell, Angel, Postma, Allback, S. Moore, Ridgewell, Kinsella.