Aston Villa summer-signing Steve Sidwell has expressed satisfaction from the reserve outing and feels that he will be available to make his Premier League debut for his new club against Tottenham Hotspur on September 15.

The former Reading midfielder left Chelsea to move to Villa Park in a £5.5million move after failing to establish himself at Stamford Bridge last season. However, a calf problem has so far prevented him from featuring for Martin O’Neill’s side in the top-flight campaign.

He has however, overcome the injury as he put in full 90 minutes in the 3-2 win in a reserve game this week against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

The 25-year-old told the club's official website: "I feel good - my calf was fine throughout the game. I've not had a problem with it. The game was very helpful because it upped my fitness levels. It wasn't the plan to play the whole 90 minutes. I was going to play the first half and then see how I felt.

"As the game went on, I felt strong so I stayed on and it was good to get a full match under the belt. The reserve game was a good competitive one and that's what I need at the moment."

He added: "I'll be available for the Tottenham match if I can get through the reserve game on Monday. I can't see that being a problem.”