Aston Villa youngster Gary Gardner was delighted with his first team action this week.

Gardner has been on the bench for the past two senior games - against Newcastle and Bolton - and says it's some sight to look out at the classy cathedral of football alongside Alex McLeish and his troops.

He told AVTV: "It is a great experience to be involved with the first team.

"I've seen at the club since the age of seven so to get on the bench for the first team is a dream come true. The next aim is playing. I am just buzzing at the moment and because of that my confidence is growing.

"It is great when you look out on the Holte End, in fact Villa Park as a whole, with all the fans cheering the team on. It was a frustrating night against Bolton but we will show character and come back.

"We have great players. We can go there and get the win. We have the talent in the squad and if I can be involved again, I'd be over the moon.

"I just aim to keep pushing and hopefully I will get my chance.

"It's great to be involved, listening to what the senior players say and what the gaffer says.

"I am taking the entire experience on board. Hopefully I can push on."