Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has suggested that Jermaine Jenas could make his debut against Sunderland this weekend.

The midfielder, who is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, has struggled with thigh and Achilles problems, but McLeish intends to include him in the squad for Saturday's match at the Stadium of Light.

"Jermaine hasn't kicked a ball in the jersey yet and it has been frustrating for him and for us, but we are delighted to see him back on the training field," he said. "It's probably too soon to start him. But I certainly have plans to include him in the squad for the weekend."

Villa go into the match 11th in the Premier League table, while the Black Cats currently occupy 14th.