Wilfred Bouma can’t wait to return to action for Aston Villa Football Club.

The 31-year-old has been out of action for almost a year after dislocating his ankle last summer, but he hopes to participate with the rest of the squad in pre-season training.

"The only thing on my mind is getting back out there," the Dutch international told the club's official website. "I can't wait to put that claret and blue shirt on again.

"I want to be back playing with all the boys because Villa have been brilliant with me and I want to give them something back for the support they have shown me."