Aston Villa midfielder Gary Gardner has insisted that he would play wherever he is needed for the club.

The 20-year-old is currently on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury.

However, when he returns to the fold, he has informed manager Paul Lambert that he would even be willing to play in goal if required.

"I would play anywhere and anytime for this club. When I was coming back from my previous injury I was still young enough to play in the youth team, NextGen series and reserves," Gardner told the Express & Star.

"Whatever position this club asked me to play in, I will play there. Even if it's in goal! When I was Under-14s, I started three games in goal because they asked me to.

"I can play in goal, I can play anywhere. I'll do that. I am a lad that will listen to the club and just get my head down.

"I think it's better to have that so you don't get too comfortable in your position. It's good to have competition. It's good to have that everywhere."

Gardner is expected to be out of action for around another six months.