Midfielder is set to flex his muscles

Steve Sidwell has targeted a first-team return against Tottenham on September 15 - and insists he stands as good a chance as anyone of muscling into Villa’s midfield.

The £5.5m arrival from Chelsea is yet to feature in the Premier League this season after suffering a calf injury last month.

However, he will step up his bid for fitness by turning out for the reserves at Stoke this evening along with fellow new signing Carlos Cuellar, who has been hampered by a similar problem.

The international break means Villa have to wait until a week on Monday for their next competitive fixture - and Sidwell hopes to play a part.

He said: “It would be easy to make a mountain out of a mole hill. I’ve missed a few weeks and that’s it. It’s fine now and I can move on.

“I haven’t picked up many injuries at Reading or Chelsea and that is the most frustrating thing. I am not an injury-plagued player if you look at my record.

“I am available for selection now. I’ve trained hard this week and with a game or two under my belt let’s see what the manager decides for Tottenham away in 12 days time.”

Competition looks especially fierce in the midfield at Villa Park this season with Gareth Barry remaining until January at least. But Sidwell insists his injury has not left him at the bottom of the pecking order.

He said: “I don’t really see it like that. I see it as me coming back into the squad. I don’t see it that any of us are behind or ahead of each other, we are all equal and in it together.”

And the former Reading man admits he isn’t the only one itching to return to action.

He added: “Carlos is obviously looking to get some games under his belt too. He is getting used to his new surroundings and the players. It would be the same for anyone, you want to get yourself out on the pitch performing.” 

Meanwhile, Martin O’Neill has backed Barry to rediscover his top form now the transfer deadline has passed.

He said: “We will just let it settle down. He is staying with us. The transfer deadline has passed and I am sure as time goes on.

“He wants to get his head down and get back playing in the type of form that he got into in the last two years. I would have thought that he is getting back to that.”

The Villa boss admits the break is an anxious time and will give a break to those not on international duty.

“We have left players in reasonably good shape and we might be minus a couple of players after international matches. I think that is the frustrating thing.”