Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner has returned to training after seven months on the sidelines. The 20-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament injury on the opening day of the season.

But Gardner was back training with his Villa team-mates on Wednesday and he could yet return to the first team to help in the fight against relegation.

He said on Twitter: "After seven months of hard work, first day back training today! What a feeling! Hard work pays off! Time to kick on thanks for all your support!"