Dean Smith has extra reasons to be a happy manager as he heads into the weekend clash with Stoke City, not only are his side up to eighth in the Championship, but according to a report in the Birmingham Mail, midfielder Birkir Bjarnason is nearing a return to fitness.

The 30-year-old Icelander picked up a groin injury in October against QPR, but having posted a 'Boots on' message on Instagram, it would look like the player is close to a return.

But should Bjarnason come straight back into the Villa starting XI?

We discuss.......

George Harbey

I think it’d be harsh to drop a midfielder after their recent run of form.

There’s no doubting that Bjarnason is a superb player, but what’s the point in changing the team right now?

Keep the team settled.

Alfie Burns

It depends on the fitness of Jack Grealish.

If Grealish is fit then Bjarnason might struggle initially to reclaim his spot.

However, if the 23-year-old is set to miss a period, he’d be my choice to come into the midfield three.

Gary Hutchinson

No, he’ll need to work to prove his value.

I like Bjarnason, he fought for his place hard last season and often found himself omitted despite not doing a lot wrong.

Villa have moved forward though, he needs to prove himself all over again.

Jay Taylor

If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.

Aston Villa are currently doing well so Dean Smith might not want to change things too much.

But with a player of Bjarnason’squality available again, you would imagine the Villa boss would be tempted to throw him in from the start.

And I have a feeling that Smith will indeed do that this weekend.