Luke Moore is ready to fight for his place at Villa after being told he is part of Martin O’Neill’s plans.

The 21-year-old striker has returned to pre-season training anxious to make up for lost time after missing five months of last season with a shoulder injury.

Moore forced himself back into contention before the end of the campaign with a goal at Middlesbrough – one of the clubs touted as being interested in him.

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Luke Moore is ready to fight for his place at Villa after being told he is part of Martin O’Neill’s plans.

The 21-year-old striker has returned to pre-season training anxious to make up for lost time after missing five months of last season with a shoulder injury.

Moore forced himself back into contention before the end of the campaign with a goal at Middlesbrough – one of the clubs touted as being interested in him.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate was Villa captain when Moore was a teenage prodigy in the Academy.

The 2002 FA Youth Cup winner faces plenty of competition for his place with boss O’Neill keen to add at least one striker to his attacking options of Moore, John Carew, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young.

But, according to his agent Steve Kutner, Moore is determined to knuckle down and fight for a spot in the team.

“Luke has come back from his holidays completely refreshed and ready to play his part for Villa,” said Moore’s agent Steve Kutner.

“He’s enjoying his training and is looking forward to the games. He’s sat down with Martin O’Neill who has told him he is part of his plans and now Luke just wants to concentrate on fighting for his place.”

Villa have been linked with a £3m move for Tottenham central defender Antony Gardner.

Gardner wants more first team opportunities and a move to the club he supported as a boy would take the former Port Vale centre-half closer to his Stafford roots.

Liam Ridgewell is expected to be allowed to leave once O’Neill has signed a replacement.