Tim Sherwood has urged Ron Vlaar to prove himself again as the Aston Villa skipper prepares for his return . Sherwood wants to see the fit-again defender help struggling Villa to a grandstand finish and warned him people may have forgotten his World Cup heroics . Vlaar starred in Holland 's run to the semi finals in Brazil last year - despite missing a penalty in the last four shoot-out against Argentina - leading to links with Manchester United . Aston Villa will welcome back club captain Ron Vlaar ( right ) as they head to Old Trafford on Saturday . The commanding Dutch centre-back returns from injury to help Villa in their battle against relegation . Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has urged his captain to prove his worth as the club aims to stay up . He played under Louis van Gaal in Brazil and will face his former international boss when Villa travel to Old Trafford on Saturday . The 30-year-old is out of contract in the summer and , having shaken off a calf injury , Villa boss Sherwood wants Vlaar to rediscover his spark . He said : 'We all know what he has done over the years but when people are putting their hands in their pockets to fork out money , they want to know they are getting value . 'He was right up there with the best at the World Cup but people have short memories . 'You are always looking at what people are doing now rather than a few months ago . 'He will have far more options open to him if he is in the shop window that 's for sure . ' Vlaar has only made 12 Barclays Premier League starts this season following calf and knee problems as Villa , three points above the relegation zone , battle the drop . His last game in February saw him concede a stoppage-time penalty and get sent off as Villa lost 2-1 to Stoke in Sherwood 's first match . And Sherwood has put any contract talks on hold with Vlaar in order to focus on keeping Villa in the top flight . 'He realises he needs to be playing . I have n't even bothered speaking to him . There 's time for that when we are safe , ' he said . 'He is just concentrating on getting fit to play . Without getting on the pitch , he 's not going to be an attractive proposition to anybody . ' Vlaar played a starring role in Holland 's run to the World Cup semi-finals in Brazil last year .
Aston Villa captain Ron Vlaar will return to the first-team from injury . Manager Tim Sherwood has urged the Dutchman to prove himself again and help Villa to avoid relegation from the Premier League . Vlaar played a starring role in Holland 's run to the World Cup semi-finals in Brazil last year . The former Ajax midfielder was injured during Holland's 2-1 win over Chile on Tuesday night but is expected back for Saturday's trip to Manchester United.