By Paul Brown in Portland

Darren Bent expects to be back fit for Villa's pre-season clash with Nottingham Forest.

Bent picked up a thigh strain in training over in Chicago.

But the troublesome injury isn't too bad, according to the star striker.

And he's backed himself to be ready for the trip to the City Ground on Saturday August 4.

Bent admits he's still buzzing ahead of the new campaign despite the nick.

He said: "I picked up a thigh strain but it's not too bad.

"I probably got it because I haven't really done anything for four months.

"It's just been good to be back amongst it after my time out injured at the end of the season.

"In the first session in pre-season I was absolutely buzzing. It'd been a while and I was just delighted to be out there with the boys.

"I just can't wait to get over this thigh strain now and get going.

"I am not down about it at all. My main problem was the ankle but that's completely healed now. That feels great and I am raring to go for the season.

"I'm thinking Nottingham Forest in terms of comeback. We are running out of time for the Peterborough match."

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