Steve Sidwell on brink of Aston Villa return

Midfielder Steve Sidwell joined Aston Villa from Chelsea in July 2008

Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell is hopeful of a return to first team action after playing the full 90 minutes for the reserves on Monday.

Sidwell, who has been out for a month with an Achilles tendon injury, featured in the 4-0 win over Blackpool.

He told the club website: "It was nice to be out there, it's been a frustrating few weeks.

"Games are what you need. This was the first one back, I'll just knuckle down in training and see where it goes."

Sidwell enjoyed a good pre-season but was injured in Villa's final friendly against Valencia at Villa Park on 6 August, eight days before the start of the Premier League season.

The former Reading and Chelsea player helped Villa to a comfortable victory against Blackpool at Bodymoor Heath, with a James Collins Jr brace and goals from Samir Carruthers and Michael Drennan sealing the win.