Villa recall Gardner from Coventry loan spell

Gary Gardner has been recalled from his loan spell at Coventry by parent club Aston Villa.

The highly-regarded England Under-21 international joined the Sky Blues on a one-month deal on November 24, with Villa unable to call him back until after 28 days at the earliest.

That period passed today and Alex McLeish has wasted little time activating the recall to help cope with an ever-growing injury list at the Barclays Premier League club, with Gardner now poised to go straight into Villa’s squad for tonight’s clash at home to Arsenal.

The 19-year-old was due to remain at Coventry until January 3, meaning he will now play no part in the fixtures against Bristol City, Brighton and West Ham over the festive period.

Gardner – younger brother of Sunderland midfielder Craig – earned positive reviews during his brief stint at the Ricoh Arena, starting all four npower Championship matches during his time there and scoring on what was his Football League debut in a 2-1 defeat at Brighton.

However, his impact was not enough to prevent four successive defeats as Coventry slipped to the foot of the second tier table.

The news comes as a blow to City’s survival bid but boss Andy Thorn, who was hoping to be able to extend Gardner’s stay, will be banking on Villa’s treatment room clearing and paving the way for a possible reunion.