The Perth-born 22-year-old had become a regular fixture in the Villans midfield before suffering an ankle injury in December.

Herd, who remains uncapped at international level, has made nine appearances for Villa this term and McLeish revealed he isn't far away from adding to that tally.

"Herd is making very good progress," he told reporters. "He is now working one to one with the physio who is putting him through his paces.

"He is not feeling his injury at all now which is great news and the kid is really positive about getting himself fit again to try and challenge to get back into the team.

"He was doing really well before the injury."

Villa, who are currently 13th in the Premier League, face Manchester City next Sunday.