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Bouncing Czech Libor Kozak gave Aston Villa fans reasons to be cheerful as he stepped up his recovery in an open training session in Dallas.

Kozak, and fellow centre forward casualty Christian Benteke, have traveled on Villa’s tour of Texas as they strive to get back to fitness.

The sight of both strikers on the field at FC Dallas’ Toyota Park on Wednesday evening was a boost to 100 or so fans who attended the session.

Kozak’s progress was particularly pleasing as the Czech Republic international was put through his paces during the sweltering conditions.

The 25-year-old broke his leg in an accidental training ground collision with team-mate Ciaran Clark at Bodymoor Heath in January.

He is expected to miss the start of the season when Villa kick off their Premier League campaign away at Stoke on Saturday, August 16.

But Kozak was completing shuttle runs and kicking drills comfortably away from the rest of the first team group at the Dallas stadium in Frisco.

Benteke was also doing light training at the home of the Major League Soccer club before stopping to sign autographs and pose for photographs.

Paul Lambert took control of the main training session as the claret and blues had a mini game before practising crossing and shooting.

Before training, new signings Joe Cole and Philippe Senderos,goalkeeper Shay Given and Fabian Delph mingled with fans and a questions and answer session.

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