Bent set to return for Villa

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is hoping to have a trio of players - including Darren Bent – back in contention for tomorrow’s FA Cup third-round clash with Ipswich.

Bent (hamstring), fellow striker Gabriel Agbonlahor (thigh) and winger Charles N’Zogbia (knee) are all poised to return to training today and will then be assessed by Lambert.

Midfielder Ashley Westwood has been ruled out after suffering an ankle injury during the 2-2 draw at Swansea. Defenders Ron Vlaar (calf), Nathan Baker (hamstring) and Richard Dunne (knee) remain sidelined.

Provisional squad: Guzan, Given, Lowton, Herd, Clark, Lichaj, Stevens, Bennett, Ireland, N’Zogbia, Bannan, Delph, Albrighton, Holman, Benteke, Bent, Agbonlahor, Bowery, Weimann, Burke, Johnson, Williams, Carruthers.