The Aston Villa man has worked his way back into the team under Steve Bruce.
Aston Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia celebrates scoring their first goal with Gary Gardner
Gary Gardner has outlined just how determined he is to keep his place in the Aston Villa side for this weekend’s Second City derby with Birmingham City, the Birmingham Mail reports.
The 24-year-old begun the campaign as an important part of Roberto Di Matteo’s plans, but fell out of favour during mid-September.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
However, Steve Bruce’s arrival has coincided with Gardner’s return to the team for the last two games. And he made the most of the opportunity with an excellent display against Reading and a solid performance against Fulham.
And the boyhood Villa fan has explained how desperate he is to keep hold of his spot in the starting line-up for their next game, which sees them travel to St Andrew’s.
Gary Gardner
“Thankfully I’ve played the last two and I want to keep my place now,” he said, as reported by the Mail.
“I’ll work my socks off to do that.
“It’s a massive game. It’s one of the biggest games of the season in terms of rivalry.”
Gardner, during his loan spell with Nottingham Forest last season
With Gardner currently high on confidence and with his understanding of what the fixture means to the supporters, it surely makes sense for Bruce to keep faith in him, especially as Mile Jedinak is yet to convince since his summer switch.
His fighting spirit in the middle of the park will surely help set the tone and may perhaps inspire his teammates to give just as much to ensure that they secure the bragging rights.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
