Aston Villa were today checking on the fitness of Darren Bent after he pulled out of the England squad for their Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales with a groin injury.

more

Aston Villa were today checking on the fitness of Darren Bent after he pulled out of the England squad for their Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales with a groin injury.

The 27-year-old striker missed England's 3-0 win over Bulgaria, which helped them move three points clear of Montenegro at the top of Group G.

Bent has been allowed to return to Bodymoor Heath for treatment and was being assessed by the club's medical staff today, ahead of their Premier League clash with Everton on Saturday

Villa manager Alex McLeish will also be keeping his fingers crossed that Shay Given returns from Republic of Ireland duty unscathed for the trip to Goodison Park.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper has struggled with a tight groin this season, although he played the full 90 minutes in Ireland's goalless draw with Slovakia on Friday.

Given subsequently sat out training with a combination of that and a back problem and Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni will check on his fitness ahead of their game against Russia.