Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has admitted that it is "too early" to determine whether he will be fit to play for England in the European Championships this summer.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined since last month with an ankle injury, which required surgery.

While many suggested that the frontman would miss the elite tournament altogether, Bent believes that he may have a chance if his rehabilitation progress continues as normal.

"It's too early to say for England," said Bent. "We'll have to wait until I'm outside running and kicking a ball.

"The quicker I'm out on the pitch running, the quicker I can have an inkling about Euro 2012. But I am on the mend, can walk without crutches and have just started rehab work in the pool and also doing stuff in the gym as well."

Bent moved to Villa from Sunderland for a reported £18m last year.