By Amir Mir
Fan favourite Jordan Amavi was selected in the Aston Villa squad for their pre-season friendly against Premier League outfit Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon, and the Villa faithful were delighted with the news following his long-term knee injury.
Left-back Amavi is a popular figure among Villa supporters as a result of his fine performances at the start of the 2015-16 Premier League season, before a serious knee injury cut his season short last November.
The news gave a well-needed boost to the Villa support as they head into the forthcoming Championship season.
Many supporters were questioning whether the talented full-back will be fit enough for the club’s opening Championship fixture against Sheffield Wednesday on 7 August.
Fellow teammate Jordan Lyden praised the youngster for his hard work.
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
Here are the reactions of the Villa fans on Twitter.
Jordan Lyden: Great to see Jordan Amavi on the bench today. First involvement since his injury! He's been working very hard. #AVFC #Boro
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 30, 2016
@AVFCOfficial @Boro JORDAN AMAVI, MY DADDY HAS RETURNED
— bradguzan_fan1 (@Amxvi_) 30 July 2016
@AVFCOfficial @Boro @JordanAmavi !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! finally back!!
— Jake Evans (@jakeevans_av1) 30 July 2016
@AVFCOfficial @Boro We really lack goals, delighted to see @JordanAmavi back though ?
— Martin Curran (@martincurran83) 30 July 2016
@AVFCOfficial @Boro ooohhh jordan amaaaaviii
— SP19❤️ (@domninja123) 30 July 2016
Good to see Amavi kicking a ball for Villa #UTV
— Juul-io Bashmore (@thomweller) July 30, 2016
JORDAN AMAVI IS BACK
— nathan (@Nath1874) July 30, 2016
Good to see Amavi warming up
— Callum (@callum_sleezby) July 30, 2016
Amavi might make it, made the bench today. Adama probably won't be back for a few weeks though
— reegan (@reeganavfc) July 30, 2016
In other Aston Villa team news, the club’s academy graduate believes Villa have a great chance of earning instant promotion to the Premier League this season.