McLeish: Bent could make Euro 2012

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish has handed England manager Roy Hodgson some good news by suggesting Darren Bent could be fit for Euro 2012.

The 28-year-old has not played for Villa since February, when he ruptured ankle ligaments in his left foot in a draw with Wigan, and has still not returned to full training.

However, McLeish revealed that the striker’s recovery has gone well and that he ‘could be fine’ for this year’s championships, insisting the decision is ultimately Hodgson’s.

“Darren is working hard and training well. He’s not joined the group yet. It’s important that Darren gets a good summer behind him and regroups for the start of next season,” McLeish said.

“He has come through a lot and he’s at a good stage just now. He’s enjoying his one-on-ones with the physios, he’s working really hard.

“Can he make the Euros? Roy Hodgson would have a better idea. If there were six weeks of the season to go, he’d certainly be back within those six weeks.

“But whether he goes to the Euros would be Roy’s decision. It seems at this moment that, with another two or three weeks’ training, he could be fine and available, put it that way.”

The Midlands’ club have struggled to find the net since the forward was ruled out through injury, with the former Tottenham and Sunderland man still their top scorer with nine goals despite his prolonged period on the sidelines.

As a result, Villa had to wait until their penultimate game, a draw with Spurs, to secure Premier League safety.

McLeish admitted Bent’s injury was a big blow, while hoping the Englishman returns on top of his form for the next campaign.

“I think it’s 19 games the big fellow has missed. God knows how many goals he’d have got us and maybe have taken us into a little comfort zone,” he said.

“Hopefully he makes a full recovery in the summer and he’s ready all guns blazing for next season.”