Villa defender Curtis Davies is closing in on a return – but admits he faces a “massive battle” to regain his place.

Davies has spent over three months on the sidelines following shoulder surgery in September, but has moved a step closer to a comeback after resuming full training.

The 24-year-old was a first-team regular last season alongside Martin Laursen until the Villa skipper was forced to retire because of a knee injury.

But since then boss Martin O’Neill has signed Richard Dunne and James Collins – both of whom who have been outstanding this season – while Carlos Cuellar has also started to show his best form since arriving from Rangers after getting a regular run in the heart of the defence.

Davies said: “It is good to be back in training, although it has been difficult this week because of the weather, and I’ve not managed to train with the first team yet.

“When there was a chance to train with them, unfortunately I was ill for a couple of days but it is fantastic just to be back involved. I am in full training and hopefully I can get a few weeks in now. Running-wise I am fit, but it is getting the touch, positional stuff and sharpness back.

“Hopefully I will be able to get a game in soon although I know it is going to be really hard to get back into the first team.

“It will be a big challenge to me to try and get back in. I will be coming back as the fourth choice centre-half, fifth technically with Ciaran Clark in the squad.

“Carlos Cuellar and Richard Dunne have done really well in recent weeks and so did James Collins before he got injured. I am the guy on the outside looking in. I played most of the games last season but I know I am not a big enough player to be able to walk straight back into the side.”

Davies was speaking at Birmingham Town Hall after teaming up with NVA management to host a Christmas party for 50 underprivileged children.