Aston Villa youngster Gary Gardner has insisted that he can make a positive impact at Villa Park by breaking into Tim Sherwood's starting XI next season.

Two major injuries have prevented the 23-year-old from putting on a Villa shirt since May 2013, but the midfielder managed to pull together some crucial playing time while on loan at both Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest last season.

"It's time for me to step up now. After a season in the Championship I feel I'm ready to play in the Premier League again," said Gardner, according to the Daily Mail.

"I've done it before at a young age when I was 19. I know there's competition but you want that. You never want to feel comfortable, you always want to be fighting for places.

"I'm ready for that and I'll give 100% for the gaffer and make his decision hard. Hopefully he'll pick me."

Gardner will face competition in midfield from the likes of club favourite Fabian Delph and new signing Idrissa Gueye.