Sidwell, signed from Chelsea for £5.5million during the summer, has been sidelined since the end of July with a calf injury.

His only appearances for Villa were in the two Intertoto Cup clashes with Odense but he is keen to make up for lost time after playing 90 minutes for the reserves against Stoke on Monday.

Sidwell told Aston Villa TV Online: "I feel good. My calf was fine throughout the reserve game. I've not had a problem with it. The game was very helpful because it upped my fitness levels.

"It wasn't the plan to play the whole 90 minutes. I was going to play the first half and then see how I felt. But, as the game went on, I felt strong so I stayed on and it was good to get a full match under the belt.

"The reserve game was a good competitive one and that's what I need at the moment."

Sidwell added: "I'll be available for the Tottenham match on September 15 if I can get through another reserve game on Monday. I can't see that being a problem.

"That week - where we play Spurs, Litex Lovech in the UEFA Cup and West Brom - is evidence of why we need a big squad. They are three massive games and I'm sure the manager will want to use everyone in his group.

"I'm sure when everyone is fit, we'll all be giving the gaffer a headache but that what's he's expecting.

"There's certainly going to be good competition for places in midfield in the coming weeks. That's what you want. Competition is healthy. It drives you on. Complacency is not an option!"