After gradually increasing his first team involvement over the previous two seasons, Craig Gardner had to settle for more of a watching brief in 2008-09, being restricted to just three starting appearances in the Barclays Premier League.

He was, however, a regular member of Villa's line-up in cup-ties and by the end of the campaign he had been involved in 30 league and cup games, scoring his only goal in the home leg of the UEFA qualifying round tie against FH Hafnarfjordur.

The Yardley-born midfielder, who became something of a free-kick specialist in 2007-08, also continued his international education with Stuart Pearce's England under-21 squad.

He was a member of the squad who reached the final of the European Championships in Sweden, and captained the side in their final group game against Germany.

He is also able to operate as a right-back.