The 20-year-old midfielder had missed the past two months after tearing a quad muscle on the final day of the 2015-16 Premier League season with Villa.

Lyden returned in Wednesday’s 3-0 friendly win against Cambridge United, starting and playing 71 minutes.

The youngster has missed the bulk of Villa’s pre-season but his return comes just over a week out from the club’s Championship opener against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday 8 August.

 

Absolutely buzzing to be back out there and get 70 minutes under my belt 👊🏼👊🏼 good 3-0 win! 😄😄 #avfc

A photo posted by Jordan Lyden (@jordanlyden) on

The Australia Under-20 international made six appearances for the Villans in the 2015-16 season, having previously battled hamstring problems.

New Villa boss Roberto Di Matteo recently said he’d give young players an opportunity this term if they warranted it, in a positive sign for Lyden.

"I'm not shy of giving a young player a chance if he deserves it," Di Matteo told BBC WM.

"In my past I've always worked with young players and we certainly have some talented youngsters at the club."