Gardner Close To Return

The official site has reported that young midfielder Craig Gardner is recovering from the knee injury he picked up in the game against Newcastle and is pencilled in for the reserves clash against Leeds next week. could return to action for the reserves in next week’s home clash with Leeds United.
Gardner told the official site: ‘It’s coming along well and, if I keep progressing this week, I should be OK for the reserves.’

The 19-year-old, who limped off during his debut in the 2-1 loss at Villa Park v the magpies said:

‘Of course it was a mixed day for me. On the one hand, I was so proud the make my first Premiership start and I’ll never forget that. But to lose, especially in the way we did, is hard to take. I was just on a high when Luke headed my free-kick in for the goal. That was a fantastic feeling and we really felt we could go on and win the game then. But to have to come off with an injury was devastating. I’ve worked hard for this chance and I was really enjoying the game. So I was gutted not to finish the 90 minutes.’

Certainly looked inconsolable as he walked passed to go to the changing room, lets just hope it is the first of many appearances in a Villa shirt.