Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce has admitted that the return of Jonathan Kodjia will act as "a big boost" to the West Midlands outfit.

Kodjia has been absent since October with an ankle injury but earlier this month, the 28-year-old successfully came through a behind-closed-doors friendly at the club's training ground.

Bruce has confirmed that Kodjia will now feature in his squad for Saturday's trip to Hull City, and has acknowledged the importance of the return of the Ivorian forward.

The 57-year-old is quoted by the club's official website as saying: "He will be involved tomorrow. It's a big boost to us all. He played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors game and has trained well since. He looks in good nick.

"Just at the right time, it looks as if we might have our big centre-forward available again. Jimmy being Jimmy, he wants to be involved, and it's a good time to get involved. It's good news for everybody."

Villa head into the weekend holding a seven-point deficit to second-placed Cardiff City.