Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner says he's ready for a first team return.
The midfielder is primed for a Premier League comeback after 17 months injury nightmare saw him play just two minutes.
He said: "I'll train hard, work hard and because there are so many games over Christmas you never know. If you are called on you are straight in. I'll be ready for it.
"I'll work hard for the gaffer. He has proved he likes playing the youngsters so hopefully I can get back in the team.
"The club have been brilliant for me, so have my family and friends. It's been frustrating for me to come back from my knee and then have a nerve problem so hopefully I can get some more games and push on.
"There's not another under-21 game for another month now so I want to train hard and get back into it."
