Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner is upbeat over his recovery from knee injury.

The England U21 international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while playing for the Villa U21 side in August and is set for a long spell on the sidelines.

"He (Paul Lambert) spoke with me and told me what he wants me to do and what he doesn't want me to do," Gardner told the club's official website. "I've not had that much time to work with him.

"I came on against West Ham so that gives me positive feelings that he likes what he sees in me so hopefully when I get back I'll get another chance."