Bent set to stay loyal

Striker Darren Bent has pledged his commitment to Aston Villa as he aims to hit the ground running under the club's next manager.

The 28-year-old, who missed the last three months of the season after rupturing ankle ligaments, was linked with a move away in January.
Villa struggled in the absence of Bent, who scored 11 goals, and a 16th-place finish just two points above the drop zone cost manager Alex McLeish his job after just one season in charge.
Bent, whose injury cost him a chance of making England's Euro 2012 squad, had to watch from the sidelines as the club had their worst campaign in six years and returned their lowest points total (38) in 42 years.
But despite the upheaval this season which saw key players depart he remains committed to the club he joined in January 2011.
"People have asked if I was mis-sold the dream when I signed and if I'm honest I didn't think Ashley Young and Stewart Downing would leave in the same summer," he told the Birmingham Mail. "But I signed for Aston Villa because I wanted to be here and I still do."