from bbc sport
Gardner set to sign new contract
Aston Villa midfielder Craig Gardner is set to sign a fresh
contract to keep him at Villa Park until 2009. And the 19-year-old
could celebrate the deal by making his first senior start at home
to Newcastle on Saturday.
Gardner, who has made two appearances for Villa this season, may
get his chance with Gavin McCann and James Milner both ruled
out.
The teenager made his debut as a second-half substitute in Villa's
4-0 win over Everton on Boxing Day.
Meanwhile, the return to fitness of striker Milan Baros will
provide Villa boss David O'Leary with a selection headache ahead of
the visit of Newcastle.
Baros missed the 4-0 success over Middlesbrough with a hamstring
injury - a match that saw Luke Moore score his first senior
hat-trick - but is available for selection ag
