Vlaar in contention for Villa

Aston Villa skipper Ron Vlaar could play some part in tomorrow’s home Barclay’s Premier League clash with Southampton after returning to training following a seven-week absence with a calf injury.

Midfielders Ashley Westwood (ankle) and Brett Holman (virus) are also back in contention for match between two struggling sides.

But striker Darren Bent (knee), defenders Chris Herd (foot) and Richard Dunne (groin), winger Marc Albrighton (metatarsal) and keeper Shay Given (hamstring) are ruled out.

Provisional squad: Guzan, Marshall, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Lichaj, Stevens, Bennett, Ireland, N’Zogbia, Bannan, Delph, Holman, Westwood, Benteke, Agbonlahor, Bowery, Weimann, Burke, Johnson, Williams, Carruthers.