 Gardner's other appearance came against West Brom |
Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner is set to sign a fresh contract to keep him at Villa Park until 2009. And the 19-year-old could celebrate the deal by making his first senior start at home to Newcastle on Saturday.
Gardner, who has made two appearances for Villa this season, may get his chance with Gavin McCann and James Milner both ruled out.
The teenager made his debut as a second-half substitute in Villa's 4-0 win over Everton on Boxing Day.
Meanwhile, the return to fitness of striker Milan Baros will provide Villa boss David O'Leary with a selection headache ahead of the visit of Newcastle.
Baros missed the 4-0 success over Middlesbrough with a hamstring injury - a match that saw Luke Moore score his first senior hat-trick - but is available for selection again.
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Match of the Day - Post-match interviews