Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is buoyed by the fact two of his key players are back training and close to full recovery.

Wilfred Bouma who dislocated his ankle in June and John Carew who has had a back problem since November are back in training with the first team and O'Neill is excited about the prospect of having them back in action.

"They are training with the first team and have done a bit extra too, it is very encouraging," said O'Neill.

"John (Carew) is still short of real, complete match fitness but at least he is training and there has been no reaction so far.

"Freddie (Bouma) has been out for a fairly lengthy time now and is still feeling pretty stiff."