Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner looks set to return to the side for Saturday's Premier League visit of Sunderland to Villa Park.Gardner missed the 2-0 defeat at Portsmouth with a back injury but should be fit to replace Olof Mellberg at right-back.

The Sweden international misses the clash with the Black Cats through suspension following his dismissal at Fratton Park for two bookable offences.

If Gardner comes through the game with Sunderland, he will then join up with the England Under-21 squad for next Tuesday's match with Poland at Molineux.

"He was really sore on Friday but he is okay. With a bit of luck he'll be training again on Wednesday," said manager Martin O'Neill.

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