Ciaran Clark close to Aston Villa return

Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has confirmed that Ciaran Clark is closing in on a return to fitness.

The 22-year-old defender has been out of action since January with a knee injury, but he is on course for a return to first-team action.

"He suffered a wee setback and I think next week it will be six weeks since he was injured. We felt it might be about four but the setback stretched out a wee bit. But he is now running and kicking the ball," McLeish told Sky Sports News.

"He is not doing any blocking work yet as he has still got a bit of tenderness in the knee. But I would say in about a week's time we should be able to evaluate whether he comes back with the group."

Villa face Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.