Ireland gives Lambert an option

Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland will return to the squad for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League clash at Fulham after missing three games with a broken bone in his arm.

Villa boss Paul Lambert will assess the freshness of goalkeeper Brad Guzan and midfielders Brett Holman and Karim El Ahmadi after gruelling midweek trips back from playing for the United States, Australia and Morocco respectively.

Full-back Joe Bennett is expected to be fit after suffering a leg injury during the 2-0 defeat at Tottenham a fortnight ago – but central defender Richard Dunne (groin) remains a long-term casualty.

Provisional squad: Guzan, Given, Lowton, Bennett, Lichaj, Clark, Vlaar, Baker, Herd, El Ahmadi, Ireland, Westwood, Bannan, Delph, Holman, N’Zogbia, Bent, Agbonlahor, Benteke, Bowery, Weimann, Burke, Johnson, Williams.