Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish is confident that Darren Bent will return to the side for the Villains' Boxing Day clash with Stoke City.

The 27-year-old took part in a full training session today following a thigh injury, which kept him out of Villa's matches against Liverpool and Arsenal.

"Darren Bent trained this morning," said McLeish. "It looks like good news. I saw him having shots at goals with the injured leg and there was no flinching at all. It looks as if he will make it for Monday."

The former Sunderland striker has been in hot water with the Villa supporters after he was spotted shopping instead of watching his side play Liverpool at Villa Park last weekend.

Meanwhile, Stephen Ireland, Emile Heskey and James Collins are expected to be available for selection on Boxing Day.