Brotherly Advice

Craig Gardner has told younger brother Gary to keep his feet firmly on the ground and keep working hard in training if he wants to impress Martin O'Neill.

Speaking on the Official Site Craig has got plenty of words of advice to pass on, especially as Gary has been in phenomenal form of late for the youth and reserve teams, scoring in almost every game he's played - least it seems that way.

This week the FA Youth Cup is back on the agenda with Thursday's clash against local rivals the Baggies in the fourth round, and Gary certainly wouldn't be opposed to adding that medal to his collection.

But people shouldn't worry about Gary getting big headed or too carried away as Craig admits they often speak about the game, and Gary isn't adverse to asking for advice.

'I've told him he should keep his feet firmly on the ground and keep working hard. He flew out to Spain for the Peace Cup and loved every minute of it.'

Craig goes onto explain that his younger brother is a 'brilliant' player, strong and good with both feet and in his mind there's no doubt he won't forge out a good career for himself in the future.

Gary has also surprisingly been with the Villa for years, joining up before Craig did as he started playing with the under 9's leading Craig to joke 'he's almost due a testimonial'.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.