Given hoping to keep place for cup tie

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert’s injury troubles are finally easing ahead of tomorrow’s Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at Bradford.

Strikers Darren Bent (hamstring) and Gabriel Agbonlahor (thigh) and winger Charles N’Zogbia (knee) all returned to action in Saturday’s FA Cup third-round win over Ipswich and reported no setbacks.

Marc Albrighton suffered a knock to his problematic metatarsal bone in that match while Ashley Westwood (ankle), Ron Vlaar (calf) and Richard Dunne (knee) are still out.

Striker Christian Benteke was rested against Ipswich and may return at Valley Parade while goalkeeper Shay Given will hope to keep his place ahead of regular number one Brad Guzan.

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