Sky Sports Scout is where we scour the globe looking for the best talent, next up is Gary Gardner.
We run the rule over Aston Villa starlet Gary Gardner
Sky Sports Scout is our exciting feature where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent and bring you a report on what we find.
Our Scout will report back and you can comment on what you think of our appraisal.
Also, in association with Football Manager, we give all readers the chance to win a copy of the latest game by nominating a player.
You can only nominate a player by
emailing here, including the word 'Scout' in your subject line and please check to make sure we have not already covered the player, you can see over 100 previous reports to the right of the page.
Should your player get reviewed by our scout, and you were first to send in his name, then you will win a copy of Football Manager 2012.
You can also now interact with the scout via his all new Twitter feed! You can get in touch with him and interact
here or just search for @skysportsscout!
Latest under our scout's gaze is Aston Villa's
Gary Gardner - recommended by
Sky Sports reader
Simon Dumelow.
The scout reports...
This week we check on a player yet to make his first-team debut, but already is regarded as one of England's best prospects - Aston Villa's Gary Gardner.
Gardner is a product of the Villa's youth academy, like his brother Craig - who is now plying his trade with Sunderland.
Gardner turned 19 in the summer and standing at 6 ft2 he is a towering presence in the middle of the park, but he is more than just a water-carrier or destroyer.
He is a driving force in any midfield engine room he plays in, and couple with his eye for goal and astute passing - it is clear to see why he has long been singled out as a real future star.
Indeed England's coaches have long been aware of him, capping him at Under-17, Under-19, Under-20 and most recently Under-21s - indeed his last international match he stole the show with two stunning strike's in the 5-0 demolition of Iceland.
Gardner now looks ready to make the step up to the first-team under Alex McLeish, and he probably would already be a regular if injury had not robbed him from a year of his career.
Late in 2009 with him looking set to make the breakthrough he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The injury sidelined him for ten months but he was back making an impact again at the end of last season.
Now Gardner, who is reportedly already been on the radar of European giants Inter Milan and Real Madrid, is back on the brink of the first-team picture and Villa assistant boss Peter Grant has confirmed that he will be handed his debut over the forthcoming Christmas period.
The scout says...
A real genuine talent, Villa know what they have on their hands and maybe like with Jack Wilshere at Arsenal, they see no point in rushing him.
If he cements a first-team place within months - as many feel, then Gardner's progress could be rapid. He could easily be a household name this time next year.
The Scout rating...
Shooting: 7 out of 10
Passing: 8 out of 10
Tackling: 7 out of 10
Heading: 7 out of 10
Pace: 7 out of 10
Vision: 8 out of 10
Current ability: 7 out of 10
Potential ability: 10 out of 10
OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 61/80
Current value: £2million
Potential value: £40million
Your opinion...
You have read our opinion of Gary Gardner - now we want your views. Have you seen Gardner in action? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it?
Get in touch, either using the form below, email or the scout's Twitter feed - @skysportsscout
And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature then please get in touch using the same form. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up your leads.
