Bent may make Euro 2012 - Eck

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish says England striker Darren Bent could be fit in time for Euro 2012 after returning to light training.

Bent is on the mend after ankle surgery and the news he is recovering well will serve as a welcome boost for Roy Hodgson, who was named the new England boss on Tuesday.

Bent, 28, scored three of his four international goals during the Euro 2012 qualifiers but landed awkwardly on his ankle during a match against Wigan on 25 February and ruptured his ligaments, an injury which was expected to rule him out until next season.

But McLeish said: "I don't think there is a chance of him playing again for Villa this season but the doc thinks he's got a chance for the Euros, he's talking about four or five weeks.

"Darren's running and working individually with the physios. I'm not sure if he's at the level of striking a ball yet but he can't be far away from that now.

"The physios will be working on him to get him back to his peak fitness and we have to make sure he gets back good and proper.

"I said 'are you ready to go on the bench at the weekend or something?' and he said 'no, not quite, but I'm making good progress'."