Bakke nearing fitness

Last updated : 15 September 2005 By Pancho Villa

The 28-year-old Norwegian international joined the club on a five-month deal on transfer deadline day but is yet to play after hamstring and back problems. "I definitely feel it's getting closer," Bakke told Villa's website. "I want to be putting pressure on the lads in the first team. That's what it should be like - people should have to perform to be in the first team."

"It's just a matter of seeing that everything is right with my hamstring and my back," he added. Bakke played 55 minutes in Villa's reserves 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Tuesday night and Villa fans are slowly having fears of another Vaclav Drobny – 12 month loan, no games – allayed.