Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has revealed fit-again defender Curtis Davies is in the frame to start today's clash against Manchester City.

He told avfc.co.uk: "He's done remarkably well. He's still got a lot of work to do but I'm really surprised to see him this far on at this stage.

"I don't think I expected him to be on any pitch - even for training - before the end of September. So he can be seriously proud of his efforts.

"He's got plenty of character. The physio and the doctor are just delighted with the way he's worked to come back from the injury. Whatever they've asked him to do, he's done it.

"He's done everything with a smile on his face and a real sense of determination. The injury must have hit him hard because he was really starting to make his mark. But he's just got on with it and done remarkably well."