Megson eases Gardner fears

21 April 2009 13:08
Villa travel to the Reebok Stadium on Saturday and the Trotters boss is hoping the Jamaican international is fit enough to retain his place. The 30-year-old limped off after only 12 minutes of the 1-0 defeat at Portsmouth last weekend with a hamstring injury raising concerns that he could be ruled out for the remainder of the season. Losing the winger at such a crucial time of the season, with Wanderers still not mathematically safe from the drop, would have been a cruel blow considering the form he has been in this season but Megson is eyeing a swift return. "We'll see for this Saturday but it might come a little too quickly," he told the club's official website. "He has been terrific, he really has been top drawer. He's been moved into the middle of the park and has done really well. "He has had his best goalscoring season and his qualities on the ball and his pace have been a big plus for us. "We'll be disappointed if he isn't available for Saturday." Meanwhile the former West Brom boss also had good news about injured pair Mark Davies and Danny Shittu. The midfielder limped out of the home defeat to Fulham over a month again and hasn't played since while the former Watford centre-back was forced off in the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea with a calf strain. "Mark Davies is getting closer, as is Danny Shittu, who should be okay," he added. Aston Villa 6/4, Bolton 7/4, Draw 12/5  

Source: Team_Talk