Thursday Sep 29 2005 12:20
Young defender Liam Ridgewell has returned to full training to boost Aston Villa's defensive options.
Villa boss David O'Leary has been struggling to field a strong defence because of injuries to Ridgewell and summer signing Martin Laursen.
However, Ridgewell hopes to play for the reserves against Newcastle United's second string next week as he battles back to full fitness after damaging knee ligaments in pre-season.
"It's been a long hard struggle but I'm getting there now, and that's all that matters. I'm just itching to get back into it," Ridgewell told Villa's official website.
"Misfortune has come to some of the others as well, but all I've just got to concentrate on getting myself back into tip-top shape.
"I'm not looking to pencil myself in for any particular date. All I want to do is get myself back to full fitness.
"I'm not to sure how long it will take to get back to playing for the first team, that depends on how fit I feel and what the club decide.
"We'll see how it goes. I'm feeling really good. I'm buzzing really and can't wait to get back to training.
"Hopefully I can make my mark at the club in that time and convince the manager that I can make the grade.
"I want to put this injury behind me and put in the type of performances that can be good for the club, and will give the manager a headache. That's got to be my aim."
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