Aston Villa's bouncebackability will be tested for the first time in the Premier League era.

The Birmingham-based giants were finally relegated following a depressing few years towards the bottom of the Premier League.

Now they will compete in the Championship and will look to promptly return to the top flight.

But next season's Championship will potentially and arguably be the most competitive that it has ever been.

There is more money being pumped in, a higher calibre of clubs and better players.

Aston Villa will likely to be competing at the top of the league, but it remains to be seen whether Roberto Di Matteo has the ability to fire the Villains back to the Premier League.

Recruitment will be key this summer for Di Matteo.

He needs to build an effective side to gain promotion.

Perhaps some former players will be convinced to return to the club to bolster their promotion charge.

Here are THREE such players that would benefit the Villa side next season...

 

Eric Lichaj

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Eric Lichaj only managed 32 league games in 5 years at Villa before joining Nottingham Forest in 2013.

He has since amassed in excess of 100 league appearances there and has developed into a better player than he was when he last played for Aston Villa.

The right back is comfortable defensively and going forward and would be an upgrade on current right back Alan Hutton.

The 27-year-old is coming into the prime of his career and has plenty of experience in England's second tier.

In addition to this, Lichaj possesses a deadly long throw - something that you can imagine Rudy Gestede would thrive off.

 

Jordan Graham

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Selling Jordan Graham might prove to be one of the worst decisions at Aston Villa in recent years.

The tricky winger terrorised Championship defences last year with his mazy, unpredictable, pacy runs down the wing for Wolves last season.

At the age of 21, he is one of the most exciting prospects in the Championship.

His season was unfortunately prematurely ended because of injury, though, but he is expected to come back even hungrier. Graham never made a senior appearance for Aston Villa but I'm sure they'd love him back next season to provide the magic in the wide areas.

He can cross, beat players and shoot which makes him the ideal winger. I wonder if Di Matteo fancies a cheeky bid.

 

Wayne Routledge

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This would be a fantastic signing if Aston Villa could secure Routledge's return to Villa Park.

His last spell with the Villains didn't quite work out and he only managed two appearances before being shipped out to QPR.

The wide man has since reignited his career, especially since his 2011 move to Swansea.

The 31-year-old has made over 150 league appearances for the Welsh club and earned many plaudits.

But with age not on his side anymore, the former England under-21 international might look to drop down a league to guarantee regular first team football.

Aston Villa would have to stump up a fee for the attacking midfielder but he would be worth a punt as they look for players with experience and talent.