Berger on Villa comeback trail

Patrik Berger is poised to make his Aston Villa comeback after nearly four months out with a knee problem.

The Czech midfielder, signed on a free transfer from Portsmouth in the summer, is back in full training and is set to play for the reserves against Sunderland on Wednesday.

Berger underwent surgery in November and has not played senior football since the Premiership clash with Manchester City at Eastlands on October 31.

Manager David O’Leary said: “Patrik started training last Monday and has come through the week well. We’ve got a reserve game on Wednesday against Sunderland and, if he continues to progress the way he is, we will be able to introduce him.”

Meanwhile, Villa were today checking on the extent of defender Mark Delaney’s knee injury suffered in Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Manchester City at Villa Park.