Van Der Sar Back?

Edwin van der Sar is hoping to make his comeback from a toe injury against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Dutch goalkeeper, who turns 37 at the end of the month, feels he has overcome the injury that forced him out of the 1-0 win over Birmingham City three weeks ago.

He didn't play for his country in the recent two-week international break, but he believes he is now ready to take over the reins from stand-in keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.

"My foot feels good," he told the Press Association. "I went away with the national team last week and, in my opinion, I could have played on Saturday. But the progress was not quick enough. There was no point in taking a risk and aggravating it, so I decided not to play and focus on tomorrow's game.

"I'm not worried about it. I have been lucky in my career so far that I have not had many injuries. It is strange to have two weeks without playing a game. Last year, I had a calf injury but that is about it.

"I am looking forward to playing again. When you are injured you have to work harder than when you are fit. That is why everyone wants to get back as quickly as possible to get playing again and feeling part of the team."