Sidwell returning to fitness for Aston Villa

Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell has started on the comeback trail after missing the opening five games of the campaign.

The former Chelsea player, who suffered an Achilles injury during the pre-season clash with Valencia, played the full 90 minutes for the reserves in a 4-0 home success over Blackpool yesterday.

Sidwell, who was made available for transfer by former manager Martin O'Neill this summer, was ruled out of the Barclays Premier League clashes with West Ham, Newcastle and Everton plus the two Europa League meetings with Rapid Vienna by the injury.

He looked set to join Fulham before Roy Hodgson quit for Liverpool and was also linked with a move to West Brom before the transfer window closed last week.

Sidwell cost Villa £5m when moving from Stamford Bridge two years ago but has struggled to command a regular first team place.