Jermaine Jenas faces another test of mental strength at Aston Villa

Jermaine Jenas is facing one more test of his mental strength as he bids to re-ignite his career at Aston Villa.

After his delayed start to the campaign as a substitute in Saturday's defeat of Norwich, the one-time England midfielder now faces three weeks off.

Playing his first Premier League minutes for Villa as second-half substitute, the fit-again Jenas isn't allowed to figure against his parent club Tottenham, which follows the international break.

But the injury-troubled midfielder isn't going to let that frustration spoil his relief at finally getting his Villa career underway.

He said: "It's a pity it's three weeks before I'm in the frame again, but that's sod's law. The important thing is I'm back playing.

"It's been a real test of mental strength. I have had early mornings on my own at the training ground."