By Dan Harrison

Alex McLeish has revealed experienced trio James Collins, Richard Dunne and Gabby Agbonlahor are in contention to return to Villa's starting line-up for Saturday's crunch clash against West Bromwich Albion.

Dunne could make his long-awaited comeback having been out of action since February when he broke his collarbone against former club Manchester City.

Collins is back in full training following a groin injury that kept him out of the midweek to Bolton, while Agbonlahor has been nursing a shoulder problem which restricted him to a place on the bench in Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat.

The trio have handed manager McLeish a timely boost going into the crucial West Midlands derby with all three determined to play a part.

"We're hopeful James Collins and Richard Dunne might make it this weekend," said the Villa boss.

"Richard has trained really well over the last couple of weeks, trained at a good intensity and even more so than the rest of the group have trained because he is obviously playing catch-up with his fitness.

"But he feels really good and we are thinking about starting him tomorrow.

"Gabby is near. Again, he is another one who is ready to start and believes he can start.

"That is brilliant. That is fantastic commitment and we know these guys are there for the cause."

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