Gardners keep it in the family.

Byline: Mat Kendrick

CRAIG Gardner has warned his soccer sibling Gary that 'big brother is watching you' after tipping his fellow midfielder to reach the top at Villa Park.

Gardner senior has been keeping a watchful eye on his younger relative's recent rise through the youth team and reserves at Bodymoor Heath.

They enjoyed playing their first competitive fixture together when Gary set up Craig's goal in the second string's 1-1 draw with Wolves on Wednesday.

Craig, 22, has advised 17-year-old Gary to continue working hard if he wants to follow in his footsteps and progress to Martin O'Neill's first-team squad.

"Gary sometimes asks me about his game and I tell him what I have done to get where I am now," said Craig. "I've told him he should keep his feet on the ground. If he does that, I'm sure he will get his chance because the manager encourages the young lads.

"Gary flew out to Spain for the Peace Cup and loved every minute of it. He's got the buzz of being around the first team. He's strong, he's good with both feet and he's a quick thinker. He's a good lad and a great professional. Believe me, he will go far.

"You sometimes watch young players who look impressive because they can do one trick but he can turn it on for the whole 90 minutes with his touch, his passing and his shooting.

"He's been like that since he was seven, playing for the Villa under-nines.

"He's been here longer than me. I came to Villa seven years ago, when I'd just turned 15, but he's been here nine years - he's almost due a testimonial!"