Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner hopes to get the chance to fill the void left by Gareth Barry next season.

Barry's move to Manchester City has opened up a place in Villa's midfield and Gardner told the Birmingham Mail: "It's nice to hear that some of the fans think I might be able to step into Gareth's shoes and hopefully it happens."

Gardner, said to be attracting interest from Wigan and Birmingham City with the view to a loan, insists he is happy to stay on and fight for his place at Villa.

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