Aston Villa latest news: £25m could soon be 'great asset to Steven Gerrard'

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey could prove to enjoy a fruitful second half of the season under Steven Gerrard as he nears a return from injury, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Gerrard moved into the hot seat in November and the Midlands club have put in some eye-catching performances since, but Bailey is now looking to force his way into the 41-year-old’s preferred starting line-up.

Gerrard has revealed Bailey could return to action when Villa head to St James’ Park to take on Premier League strugglers Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Villa head coach has confirmed the 24-year-old has been involved in training sessions at Bodymoor Heath this week and described Bailey as a ‘big player’ who he wants to see steer clear of more injury problems.

Villa forked out a sizeable amount of their transfer kitty to lure Bailey to Villa Park last summer, parting with £25million to secure his services from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

But the 12-cap Jamaica international has been restricted to just nine appearances since heading to the Premier League.

His only goal came against Everton in September, but it backfired when, in doing so, he suffered an injury.

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O’Rourke believes Bailey could play a big part in the remainder of Villa’s campaign if he manages to remain off the treatment table.

The journalist feels the wide-man will be in Gerrard’s plans after only being able to hand Bailey 132 minutes of action since his appointment.

He reckons Bailey’s return to action will come as a major boost as the Midlands club look to climb the Premier League table.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I think a fit and raring to go Leon Bailey will be a great asset to Steven