Darren Bent to feature for Aston Villa against Liverpool?

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has suggested that striker Darren Bent could play in his side's Premier League encounter against Liverpool this Sunday.

The 29-year-old has been sidelined for the Midlands outfit since mid-February after suffering a problem in training, which was then followed by an illness.

Lambert has confirmed that the striker, who was once linked with a switch to Liverpool, has returned to first-team training.

"Benty is back training," Lambert told Sky Sports News. "He had a little flu bug there for the last few days but I think he is okay.

"He trained Wednesday morning, so he is back. He got a kick, one of the lads caught his foot. It was a bit tender to kick the ball but it could have been worse. He is okay now."

Villa are currently three points away from relegation.