Barry Bannan in line for Spurs call

Barry Bannan was this afternoon declared available for Villa's trip to Tottenham despite a trip to court hanging over him next Friday.

The 21-year-old midfielder was charged earlier in the week with driving with excess alcohol, failing to stop after a road accident, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without due care and attention after an incident on the M1 last month.

Bannan this week made his first appearance in a Villa shirt since his arrest, starring for the club's reserve team with a spectacular goal in a 3-0 victory over Albion's second string.

And boss Alex McLeish today revealed that the Scotland international was under consideration for the trip to White Hart Lane on Monday night. "Barry is available for the match and he was left out against Norwich for football reasons," said McLeish.

Villa should also have forward Gabby Agbonlahor back after he pulled out of England's friendlies with Spain and Sweden with a hamstring injury after McLeish confirmed he is set to join in full training.