Aston Villa central defender Martin Laursen is confident of receiving the green light to start on the comeback trail in mid-May after being sidelined for nearly eight months with a knee injury.

The Danish international will see world-renowned knee specialist Richard Steadman at the start of next month with a view to getting the all clear to start jogging and outdoor work.

Laursen, who watched Villa's 5-0 defeat against Arsenal at Highbury on Saturday, said: "I start jogging in mid-May - at least that is the plan. Before then, I have to go back to Colorado to see Dr Steadman at the beginning of May."