England Under-21 player Gardner was a regular member of Martin O'Neill's 16 last season and proved his versatility by sometimes operating at right-back in the absence of a specialist in that position.

Now the battle for places is hotting up with £12m man Milner, Ashley Young, Stiliyan Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker, Gareth Barry and Isaiah Osbourne plus Gardner all in the frame for the four positions across the centre of the park.

But the Villa Academy product, who has withdrawn from the Under-21s squad with a tight hamstring, is adamant he will thrive in trying to prove to O'Neill he should remain near the forefront of his plans.

Gardner said: "I'm up for the challenge. James Milner is a top-class player. He has showed that for the under-21s, for Newcastle and when he was here last on loan.

"Bringing James to the squad is a massive lift. He will show some quality this season.

"It is a big season for me. Last season we had a small squad and everyone was getting on week in and week out but this season I'm glad of the competition.

"At the end of the day, if there are games when you don't get on, you've just got to pick yourself up and hopefully get on in the next game and prove it in training.

"The gaffer has built an unbelievable squad and we want to push on this season and finish better than the sixth of last season. But I'm ready for the challenge.

"That's the attitude you've got to have - and the one I have got."

Villa are confident Gardner's withdrawal from the Under-21s is merely precautionary and that he will be in contention when they return to action on September 15 at Tottenham.