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Gary Gardner is pushing for a first-team recall after impressing boss Tim Sherwood in training.

The 23-year-old has shaken off an ankle injury sustained in the pre-season win over Swindon Town and is close to reaching full fitness.

Villa rewarded Gardner with a new contract this summer after he proved his worth on loan in the Championship last season.

And now Sherwood is seriously considering naming him in the squad in the coming weeks should his recovery continue as expected.

“He’s shown me what a fantastic footballer he is since he’s re-joined the group (in training) and he’s got every chance of featuring,” said Sherwood.

Those words have pleased the Solihull-born star who is determined to make up for lost time this year.

(Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)

Last season he enjoyed spells at Brighton and Nottingham Forest and it was his form at the City Ground that particularly caught Sherwood’s eye.

The Villa boss watched Gardner score four goals in 18 appearances which prompted him to take a closer look at the middle man on the pre-season tour of Portugal.

A place in the squad was as good as guaranteed until a horror tackle sidelined him for two months.

“It’s been eight weeks now so I’m starting to forget about it,” Gardner told the Birmingham Mail.

“The manager is one of the best I’ve ever worked with and he’s said I’ll get my chance and I believe him.

“You have got to have trust in the managers these days.

“I think he’s been fair to a lot of the players here.

“I have to work hard, it’s up to me. I believe that I do work hard and hopefully my chance will come.”

Gardner will compete with Ashley Westwood, Idrissa Gana and Jordan Veretout for a space in the middle of the park.

His ability to score goals and create from set pieces will further enhance his chances and he’s determined to win a place in the team on merit rather than because of a drop of form elsewhere.

“I want to come back into a winning team,” Gardner said.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to do bad, I want the team to do well.

“The talent here is very high. It’s just not going our way at the minute.

“I want to be kept on my toes and earn my place.

“I want to be there on merit. I don’t want to be there because the other players aren’t performing.

“We’ve got a lot of talent here and hopefully I can add to that.”