The England Under-21 player proved his versatility for Villa last season by sometimes operating at right-back in the absence of a specialist in that position.

Now the battle for places is hotting up with Milner, who signed for a club record £12million from Newcastle United last week, Ashley Young, Stiliyan Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker, Gareth Barry and Isaiah Osbourne plus Gardner all in the frame for the four positions across the centre of the park.

But the Villa Academy product, who withdrew from the Under-21s squad with a tight hamstring on Tuesday, is adamant he will thrive in trying to prove to O'Neill he should remain near the forefront of his plans.

massive lift

Gardner said: "I'm up for the challenge. You know what I am like. I like a challenge. James Milner is a top-class player. He has showed that for the Under-21s, for Newcastle and when he was here last on loan.

"Bringing James to the squad is a massive lift. He will show some quality this season. It is a big season for me. Last season we had a small squad and everyone was getting on week in and week out but this season I'm glad of the competition. At the end of the day, if there are games when you don't get on, you've just got to pick yourself up and hopefully get on in the next game and prove it in training.

"The gaffer has built an unbelievable squad and we want to push on this season and finish better than the sixth of last season. But I'm ready for the challenge. That's the attitude you've got to have - and the one I have got."