Darren Bent to make Aston Villa return to prove Euro 2012 fitness

Darren Bent

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has declared himself fit for Euro 2012 duty, despite not playing since rupturing ankle ligaments in February.

The 28-year-old is likely to come into contention for Villa's final game of the season at Norwich on Sunday.

Bent has made contact with England manager Roy Hodgson to indicate his willingness to play at the Euros in Poland and Ukraine.

Hodgson will name his squad for the tournament on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, Villa manager Alex McLeish suggested Bent would not play again this season.

"I don't believe there is a chance of him playing for Villa again this season," McLeish told the club website on 2 May.

"The doc thinks he's got a chance for the Euros though."

The former Sunderland player, who suffered the injury at Wigan in February, is hoping to play in his first major tournament with England after failing to make the squad for the World Cups in 2006 and 2010.

England begin their Euro 2012 campaign against France in Donetsk, Ukraine, on 11 June.

Bent's availability would be a boost for Hodgson, who is without suspended Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney for the first two group games against France and Sweden.