Craig Gardner has not ruled out leaving Aston Villa on loan in search of regular first team football. Both Wigan and newly-promoted Birmingham have been linked with loan moves for the 22 year old.

"We will see what happens," he told Birmingham Mail. "I'm happy at the club."

"I love playing football and I love playing in midfield so hopefully the manager has seen this game and it's reminded him what I'm about," he said of his Under 21s performance.

"It's nice to hear that some of the fans think I might be able to step into Gareth's (Barry) shoes and hopefully it happens."