Milner set for Villa return

Aston Villa have been boosted by the return to fitness of winger James Milner for Sunday’s Villa Park clash against Middlesbrough.

England Under-21 international Milner missed last night’s UEFA Cup tie against Slavia Prague after suffering a blow to his side against Newcastle United on Monday but he is fit to start this weekend.

Midfielder Stiliyan Petrov will miss a third successive game as he is still being troubled by a hamstring strain.

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel, full-back Luke Young, central defender Martin Laursen and midfielders Gareth Barry and Nigel Reo-Coker are all set to return to the starting line-up after being rested for the 1-0 win against Slavia Prague.

Aston Villa (from): Friedel, Luke Young, Laursen, Knight, Davies, Cuellar, Shorey, Milner, Routledge, Reo-Coker, Sidwell, Barry, Ashley Young, Carew, Agbonlahor, Harewood, Gardner, Salifou, Osbourne, Guzan.