By Caroline Cheese

Hendrie has starred for Stoke during his loan spell

Lee Hendrie says he still does not know whether he has a future at Aston Villa.

The 29-year-old is nearing the end of a successful loan deal at Stoke and Villa boss Martin O'Neill is considering recalling him.

But Hendrie told BBC Sport: "I spoke to Martin O'Neill before I left and he said I was still part of his plans but I haven't heard from him since.

"I don't know what's going to happen. I'd love to go back and play for Villa - but playing is the key thing for me."

O'Neill told the Villa website Hendrie could be recalled as early as Thursday, with Stilian Petrov and Gavin McCann doubtful for Saturday's game against Middlesbrough.

"I will have a look at it," said O'Neill.

"Not that Lee would be twisting my arm to say that he should be automatically back in the team again when he comes back."

606 DEBATE: Would you like to see Hendrie return to Villa?

Hendrie asked for a loan deal in September when, after recovering from a calf injury, he found he had dropped down the pecking order in Villa's midfield.

He has been a revelation at Stoke, who have moved up to seventh in the table since his arrival and are keen to extend his stay after his loan deal expires at the end of November.

If things aren't sorted out by January, then I will have to look to my future Lee Hendrie

However, with his Villa contract up at the end of this season, Hendrie is keen to return to Villa Park to prove his abilities in the Premiership.

"Being at Stoke has allowed me to get my fitness back and I'm really enjoying my football again," he said.

"But I want to get back and play in the top flight."

But if his Villa future is still in doubt come January, Hendrie, linked with Portsmouth in the summer, says he will consider a permanent move away.

"If things aren't sorted out by January, then I will have to look to my future and think about where I'm going to end up.

"I haven't thought that far ahead but if it comes to it then I'll have to think about it.

"I'll have to wait and see if Villa give me anything or anyone else comes in for me."