Gardner in contention

Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner could play some part in the derby clash with Birmingham on Sunday after returning to full training.

The England Under-21 player has been sidelined with a thigh problem sustained on international duty three and a half weeks ago against Poland at Molineux.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill has no fresh injury worries and is unlikely to make any major changes after his side’s 6-0 demolition of Derby at Pride Park last weekend.

Team (from): Carson, Taylor, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma, Petrov, Reo-Coker, Barry, Young, Osbourne, Berger, Maloney, Salifou, Carew, Agbonlahor, Harewood.