Gary Gardner has said that he wants to prove himself at Aston Villa next season, but Nottingham Forest would be his first choice of club to join should things not work out at Villa Park.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been in impressive form since moving to the City Ground on loan in January on a deal that runs until the end of the season.

Gardner has admitted that while he hopes to establish himself in the Premier League under Villa boss Tim Sherwood, Forest now holds a special place in his heart.

"If I was made available for loan again next season, if it does not work out at Villa, Forest would be top of my list, definitely," he told the Nottingham Post. "It has been brilliant for me here, the fans have been brilliant.

"If I could repay them one day by coming back here, great. My mind is open to a potential return here, if it does not work out. 100 per cent it is. I love this club and if there was a chance for me to come back and play here, I would definitely do it.

"It is the best loan move I have had. I have had a few in the past, but from the first day I have enjoyed it here. We went on a good run at the start. The fans have taken to me and I have taken to them. This club will always have a place in my heart, definitely."

Gardner has scored four goals in 17 appearances for Forest.