Adam McGurk hit two goals for Aston Villa in yesterday's friendly victory over Coventry.

The 19 year-old striker has been missing for over 17 months with a series of injuries and told Villa's website: "It's been 17 months now and there were times when I felt like I was never going to be fit. Hopefully I've got all my injuries out of the way and now I'm really looking forward to getting on with the season.

"It's just been one injury problem after another and even when I felt I was getting close towards the end of last season there were constant little niggles that slowed me down. Now, fingers crossed, I can stay fit.

"I think I'm definitely mentally stronger after all the problems I've had and hopefully that can hold me in good stead for the rest of my career. I really can't wait for the start of the season. I just want to keep pushing now."

McGurk continued: "A lot of things have changed since I first got injured but I just really have to worry about myself. I want to remind people what I can do. I want to prove a point and I'll see how it goes.

"I'd like to think I'll be in contention for the first game of the season. I want to be there playing in competitive games and showing what I can do.

"To score two goals in my comeback game was a bonus really. I was just happy to be back out there. But of course goals are what every striker thrives on."