Gardner is back in contention for Sunday's second city derby

Aston Villa's preparations for the second city derby against Birmingham on Sunday have been boosted by the return to fitness of Craig Gardner.

The England under-21 international has missed the last three games with a thigh strain, but is back in training.

"He's been desperate to get out there with the rest of the players," manager Martin O'Neill told the club website.

"He's got this week now and hopefully if he doesn't have any setbacks he'll get a full week's work in."

There's not a player that particularly likes being injured, and Craig hates it Martin O'Neill

Gardner's possible return will increase O'Neill's options at right back, where Olof Mellberg and Nigel Reo-Coker have been forced to fill in at times this season.

The manager said he would have few worries throwing the versatile young player back into the fray for the derby clash.

"He's obviously very keen. There's not a player that particularly likes being injured, and Craig hates it," O'Neill said.