Davies tells O'Neill: I'll be ready for Villa comeback in September

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill is treading cautiously in terms of when Davies will be able to return from the ruptured Achilles tendon suffered against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in early March.

He believes November is a more feasible deadline for Davies to contemplate being back in the picture.

Scroll down for more

Agony: Davies suffers his injury against Arsenal

Davies understands O'Neill's viewpoint but is adamant he will be available shortly after the start of the 2008-09 campaign.

The former West Brom player said: "I think from the gaffer's point of view he has got to think the worst case scenario because, if I'm not back until October-November time, then he might need someone else to fill in.

"That is fair enough, I can understand those comments. But I'm positive and strong minded and I know I'm going to work really hard in the summer to get back.

"I'm still aiming for that late August-early September time to start playing again - whether it is playing in the reserves or the first team.

"I aim to be back out on the football pitch and actually playing games by then."

Davies, who also missed the finale of Albion's promotion bid last season through injury, added: "As things stand, I am rowing, cycling, doing a bit more balance work and running on trampolines.

"It is all going well for me and that is why I am quite confident I can make that August-September dead-line.

"Of course, I realise it is a career threatening injury and in days gone by that may well have been the case before all the medical advances and improvements.

"I do have to take my time and not do anything silly - but at the same time the confidence will prevail with me. I always have an upbeat and optimistic approach."