Marc Albrighton returns to Villa ahead of busy fixture schedule

Winger Albrighton returned to the club before last night's loan deadline after a month at Wigan as he regained fitness following an injury-hit year.

The winger had said he was keen on staying at the DW Stadium and boss Owen Coyle had made moves to extend the loan.

Albrighton played four games for the Latics but was ineligible for their Europa League campaign having joined after the registration deadline.

But with seven games in the next month, starting with the visit of Sunderland tomorrow, Lambert said he needed Albrighton back.

"We need everybody and I've just pulled Marc back because of that as well," he said.

"The amount of games we're going to have to play in this period is pretty demanding. I think he's done well for Owen Coyle which was good."

While Albrighton returned Given joined Middlesbrough before yesterday's 5pm deadline.

The keeper has not played for Villa since January and had been frozen out of the squad by Lambert.

Brad Guzan replaced him as the club's No.1 with Jed Steer as his deputy with Given's last Premier League appearance coming in August 2012.

A move to Liverpool collapsed in the summer but he is now set to complete a north east hat-trick, having also played for Sunderland and Newcastle.

He could make his debut against Bolton tomorrow, new boss Aitor Karanka's first home match in charge.

Jordan Graham also joined Ipswich on loan until January 4 yesterday while Benjamin Siegrist joined Burton and Enda Stevens moved to Doncaster until the New Year.