There were times when wondered if I'd ever play again

VILLA STAR MINGS BACK WITH A BANG AFTER 'AWFUL' 16-MONTH BATTLE TO REGAIN HIS FITNESS

- NEIL MOXLEY

TYRONE MINGS feared he would never return to Premier League football after an injury nightmare.

The England international stepped back into domestic action with Aston Villa in midweek for the first time since suffering a horrific knee injury 16 months ago.

Mings, 31, underwent surgery three times after damaging his ligaments and cartilage (right), having made numerous trips across the Pond to see leading medics in Philadelphia.

It is the second time Mings has suffered an injury like this - he did so during his debut for Bournemouth nine years ago. But on this occasion it was worse as his cartilage had to be pinned.