According to The Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa stars Scott Hogan and Keinan Davis are nearing a return to action. 

The duo have not featured thus far this season for Steve Bruce's men, and would be a major boost to the club's fortunes upon their return.

Aston Villa have struggled so far this season to replicate their form that they showed at the end of last campaign, and as a result, pressure is mounting on Bruce. The Villans sit in 13th place, having won only three of their nine opening games this season. However, the team were in the exact same position at this stage last year, and the manager was able to turn it around.

The Aston Villa board should not rush to any decisions regarding Bruce future, particularly before these stars return. Republic of Ireland international Hogan will add a lot of dynamism to Villa's attack, while 20-year-old Davis is hotly tipped to have a bright future in the Premier League. The England under-20 international could well be the man to get Villa going when he returns.

However, scoring hasn't necessarily been Villa's biggest weakness this season, rather their profligate defence, which has simply conceded too many goals to make the Premier League hopefuls a threat this season.

Nonetheless, it would still be foolish to make any decision before these two have had a chance to make an impact on Villa's season.

The Villans head to Bristol City tomorrow, with Bruce fully aware of the importance for his side to pick up some points and avenge their loss to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend at Villa Park.