Craig Gardner admits playing against Man United would be a 'dream come true'.
Craig Gardner admits playing against Manchester United would be a 'dream come true'.
The Aston Villa youngster is on stand-by to figure in Saturday's home game with the Premiership leaders.
Gavin McCann is struggling with the hamstring injury which saw Gardner replace his team-mate against Bolton Wanderers last weekend.
Gardner enjoyed his outing against Bolton and now hopes for the opportunity to line up against United, if McCann is not passed fit.
"I've been waiting all season for my chance," said Gardner, who has made just two substitute appearances this term.
"Hopefully the gaffer likes what he saw on Saturday and I can push on. I need to get more football under my belt.
"It's the same for any player out of the side in that you're just waiting for your chance. I got my first chance for a long time against Bolton and now I'm looking to build on that.
"I'd love to be involved against anybody, but to feature against Manchester United would be very special.
"To play against people like Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick would be a dream come true.
"It will be a full house and everyone's looking for something extra for Christmas. The atmosphere will be buzzing. It should be a great game.
"We had enough chances to win the (Bolton) game three times over. If we can play like that against Manchester United, who knows?"
