Bent close to fitness; Clark may return to squad

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent is nearing a return to full fitness ahead of the visit of Fulham tomorrow.

Bent made a brief appearance from the bench last weekend in the 3-1 win over Stoke at the Britannia Stadium, but is still short of match sharpness.

Manager Paul Lambert is also keeping an eye on the fitness of defender Ciaran Clark.

He is back on the training ground following a shoulder injury while on international duty for the Republic of Ireland, and providing he suffers no reaction could feature in the travelling squad.

Defender Chris Herd and winger Marc Albrighton (both foot) plus defender Richard Dunne (groin) remain on the casualty list.

Provisional squad: Guzan, Given, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Lichaj, Stevens, Baker, Bennett, Sylla, El Ahmadi, Ireland, Westwood, Dawkins, N’Zogbia, Bannan, Holman, Benteke, Agbonlahor, Bent, Bowery, Weimann.