Martin O’Neill is praying talisman Steve Sidwell will be fit to face Manchester City after hailing his last performance his best in a Villa shirt.

Sidwell has returned to light training after missing Villa’s last two games with a thigh complaint and now faces a race against time to prove his fitness for Monday night’s clash.

Since gifting Middlesbrough a late winner on his full league debut, Sidwell has steered Villa to 11 wins and three draws in his other 14 Premier League starts for O’Neill’s men.

And, after suffering defeat to Blackburn on Saturday, O’Neill is hopeful of being able to recall the ex-Chelsea man.

“Steve did a little bit of training with the physio yesterday,” said the Villa boss. “He has not felt the effects of any running he did on Monday.

“Fingers crossed if he comes through the next couple of days he might join in with the team on Friday with a view to being involved Monday. It’s looking better but I would still be cautious.”

O’Neill is frustrated by the timing of the injury after the player gave what the Villa boss rated as his best display since arriving in the 2-0 win over Portsmouth.

He added: “I have been very pleased with him. I thought that the game against Portsmouth was his best. He was very strong and aggressive

“I’m told we’re yet to lose a league game he’s started in since after his debut. I’m surprised he hasn’t been reminding me!

“I think he’s capable of scoring. I think when he gets off the mark he will get going.”