Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner says their academy deserves more recognition.

"They talk about Arsenal and Manchester United with all the kids coming through. Why aren't they talking about Villa?" Gardner told the Birmingham Mail.

"How many players have come through Villa's ranks? There's me, Gabby Agbonlahor, Isaiah Osbourne, Gary Cahill, Liam Ridgewell, Steven Davis, Peter Whittingham, Nathan Delfouneso, Luke Moore.

"How many more do you want? All those lads are playing now and it's all credit to the staff that have brought them through. Not only are we getting chances, but we're taking them as well."