Tonight’s 1-1 draw against Wolves in a reserve game at Villa Park marked a significant milestone in the season for Villa. In the reserves two quality players made their comeback from two very different absences.

Luke Young after a calf injury and the unfortunate death of his brother played his first full 90 minutes since the end of last season. His return marks a significant increase in the squad depth and quality in defence.

However the best news was the return of Freddie Bouma after his horrific injury 15 months ago, he got through the whole 90 minutes, put in some solid tackles and though looked tired at the end as you would expect. Time will tell if he suffers any bad reaction to the game but the fat he played 90 minutes was against my personal belief in that he would never make it back.

I am so delighted for Freddie because he is a fighter and leader on the pitch and if he gets back not only gives us so much quality competition for left back but will increase squad morale as he has shown guts and determination to get back.

A good news night.