Bouma joined Villa from PSV Eindhoven in August 2005

Aston Villa full-back Wilfred Bouma has made his return to football nearly eight months after suffering a dislocated ankle.

The Dutch international has been out of action since suffering the injury during the home leg of the Intertoto Cup tie against Odense in July.

Bouma, 30, played the full 90 minutes of Villa's 4-3 reserve team victory over Chelsea at Villa Park.

He could return to first-team action against Tottenham on 15 March.

"I'm really pleased he got through that game. Psychologically it was great for him," said manager Martin O'Neill.

"He's still a bit rusty but has got a good attitude and wants to be involved in the final three months of the season."

Nathan Delfouneso (2), Jonathan Hogg, and Ciaran Clark scored Villa's goals in the reserve game against Chelsea.

The Villa team also included experienced striker Marlon Harewood as well as Barry Bannan and Marc Albrighton, who both made their first-team debuts in the Uefa Cup defeat to CSKA Moscow last month.

Young forward Sam Williams also came off the substitute's bench to continue his recovery from a hip problem.

It is hoped that Williams, 20, can now resume his loan spell at League One side Walsall, where he has scored one goal in five substitute appearances.

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