Sidwell gets Villa all-clear

Aston Villa have been boosted by the news midfielder Steve Sidwell has been given the all-clear to return to full training.

Villa's new £5.5million signing has made just one appearance since arriving from Stamford Bridge in the summer after struggling with knee and calf problems.

However, the 25-year-old has now joined the rest of the Villa squad for training and it should not be too long before he is knocking on the first-team door.

"It has obviously been a frustrating time for Steve, who was keen to make an impression with his new club," O'Neill said of the player's situation.

"Throughout his career, he has managed to stay injury-free - until now. But he is now available for full training again and wants to play a full part."

Sidwell added: "To get these setbacks has been a blow for me after deciding to move to Villa but hopefully there is now some light at the end of the tunnel.

"You want to make an impression when you move clubs and it will be good if I can make up eventually for lost time."