Aston Villa striker Scott Hogan battling to be fit for Nottingham Forest trip

Hogan missed Saturday’s FA Cup defeat to Peterborough after rolling his ankle late on in Villa’s 5-0 New Year’s Day win over Bristol City.

The 25-year-old netted his first league goal of the season in the rout of the Robins and boss Steve Bruce is hopeful he will be available for the trip to the City Ground, where Villa will be aiming for a third straight win in the Championship.

Skipper John Terry could also return after coming through 90 minutes in the cup on his return after two months out with a broken foot.

Winger Andre Green and midfielder Henri Lansbury are still working their way back to full fitness, having been given 45 minutes each in the cup.

Big changes are certain after Bruce opted to rest the vast majority of his Championship regulars in the cup.

“If I had asked players who had just played four games in eight days to go and perform again, and lost two or three of them through injury, then I would be kicking myself,” said the boss.

Forgotten man Ross McCormack is meanwhile hoping to extend his loan stay at Melbourne City.

The 31-year-old has been in excellent form since heading Down Under in September, scoring 10 goals in 13 games for the A-League club.

McCormack’s current loan deal is due to expire on January 25 but he is hopeful of staying in Australia until the end of the domestic season in April.

"I think the club might be talking to Aston Villa as well to see if I can stay for the season,” he said.

"It'd be good if they could do that.”

McCormack has scored just three times for Villa since joining in a £12million deal from Fulham in August 2016.

He has not made an appearance for the club in the Championship since a high-profile falling out with Bruce last January.