Craig Gardner happy to get his chance for Aston Villa

Jan 29 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

CRAIG Gardner insists he was always happy to bide to his time and wait for a first-team opportunity to beckon at Villa Park.

The 22-year-old has been a regular in the cups this season but had to wait until Tuesday night at Portsmouth before finally getting the nod over Steve Sidwell for his first start in the league since against Sunderland in March last year.

“I had not started a league game since last season. It’s been hard but you have to look at how well we have been playing,” Gardner said.

“But the fact that we were still winning and yet the manager decided to put me back in the side is a massive confidence boost.

“I’ve just got my head down, worked hard, not complained and waited for my chance.

“And then to be part of a really good win at Portsmouth felt special.

“I think things went well, it was a really good result but we are now up against a decent side in Wigan who are on a good run.”

Gardner is taking little for granted this weekend with Wigan in town and Sidwell pushing for a recall.

Steve Bruce’s side held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at the JJB Stadium last night to do wonders for Villa’s top-four chances, particularly on a night when Arsenal were also held at Everton.

“Wigan are like Portsmouth, they are a big team and they will come here confident of getting a result,” Gardner said.

“We are not getting carried away but there is a never-say-die attitude about us.

“We can go 1-0 down in a game but still feel confident about winning it 3-1. But it’s the old cliche of taking every game as it comes.