Tuesday Oct 11 2005 11:58
Aston Villa midfielder Gavin McCann could make a shock return against Birmingham this weekend after making a good recovery following a knee injury.
McCann had a knee operation in early September and it was thought he would be on the sidelines until November at the earliest.
However the player has now returned to training and is also in line to play in a full-scale practice match against Notts County.
If he comes through unscathed and suffers no reaction to the injury, then there is a real chance he could be thrown straight into the starting line up for Sunday's clash.
Kevin Phillips and Aaron Hughes will also figure in the practice game and it is hoped the duo will also be able to figure against the Blues as David O'Leary's injury problems finally shows some signs of easing.
Mark Delaney has proved his fitness while on international duty, so O'Leary should only be without Martin Laursen and Lee Hendrie for the Second City derby clash.
There is a slight concern over Milan Baros who is away with the Czech Republic but the striker should be okay.
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