Birkir’s got boots back on at last

BIRKIR Bjarnason is nearing a return to first team football after posting an update on social media.

The Villa midfielder has not played since October 26 when he suffered a groin injury at QPR.

That forced him to have an operation which has kept him out of Villa’s last six games.

But he has taken another step forward and updated fans with a picture and a ‘Boots on’ message on his Instagram account.

Whether that allows the Iceland international to return against Stoke this weekend has to be considered unlikely – but he will at least be an option for Dean Smith in the New Year.

His role alongside John McGinn has been filled by Conor Hourihane in recent matches with Glenn Whelan coming off the bench.

Meanwhile, Villa are reportedly tracking Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow ahead of the January window.

National reports have claimed that Villa have Darlow, 28, on their list of options as they weigh up bringing in competition for Orjan Nyland.

It is claimed that Darlow, a former Villa trainee, could be allowed to leave Newcastle for £4 million having lost his place in the side to Martin Dubravka, who signed in January this year.

Darlow has played only once for the Magpies this season and is said to be keen on finding first-team football.

And Smith is targeting a reunion with Brentford’s attacking midfielder Romaine Sawyers, according to reports.

The pair have had a long working relationship which goes back to their days at Walsall.

Smith recruited Sawyers for the Saddlers initially on loan in 2013 and then on a free transfer after the playmaker was released by West Bromwich Albion.

Smith was appointed by Brentford in November 2015 and brought Sawyers to the club the following summer.

Since then, 27-year-old Sawyers, a St Kitts and Nevis international, has been considered one of the Championship’s brightest creative midfielders.

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