A versatile defender/midfielder who really came to prominence in 2007/08, scoring three Premier League goals in 20 appearances
A Villa youth product, Gardner made his debut as a substitute in a 4-0 win against Everton in December 2005.
An all-action midfielder who is not afraid to put his foot in to the tackle, Gardner’s energy makes him a danger going forward, while providing an extra line of protection for the backline.
The England U21 can also play at right-back when needed and, while he made only 15 starts throughout the 2007-08 campaign, the boyhood Villa fan – who signed a new four-year contract with the club in August 2007 – is tipped for a big future with the club.