• Euro 2012

Euro 2012 still a distant dream for Bent

Darren Bent is facing a race against time to be fit for Euro 2012 © PA Photos

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Aston Villa striker Darren Bent is on the road to recovery but remains unsure whether he will be fit enough to challenge for a Euro 2012 place.

Ruled out for the rest of the domestic season, Bent has begun rehabilitation work after undergoing ankle surgery at the beginning of March.

The England forward - who ruptured ankle ligaments during Villa's 0-0 draw with Wigan on February 25 - has come off crutches and is doing gym work and swimming as part of the first phase of his recovery programme.

Despite his recovery heading in the right direction, Bent says it is far too soon to be thinking about playing for England this summer.

He said: "It's too early to say for England. We'll have to wait until I'm outside running and kicking a ball. The quicker I'm out on the pitch running, the quicker I can have an inkling about Euro 2012.

"But I am on the mend, can walk without crutches and have just started rehab work in the pool and also doing stuff in the gym as well."

Meanwhile, Villa manager Alex McLeish is optimistic injured duo Charles N'Zogbia and Alan Hutton will be able to return ahead of schedule to feature in the Easter programme. Winger N'Zogbia suffered a knee injury a fortnight ago and was predicted to miss a month, with Hutton expected to be sidelined for three weeks after picking up a calf strain against Arsenal 11 days ago.

The pair are back in training and McLeish is hopeful they will be ready to play some part in the games against Liverpool (Saturday) and Stoke (Monday).

McLeish said: "They are making good progress and we hope, if not available for Saturday's game, then they will possibly be available for the Stoke match. Charles and Alan are working separately from the main group with Alan Smith [the club physio] and he is happy with their progress. The players have also said they feel good."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.