Aston Villa backed for European battle by Wilfred Bouma

Dec 7 2007 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

WILFRED Bouma believes Aston Villa can mount a serious European surge this season if Martin O'Neill can strengthen his squad in January and they steer clear of injuries.

Bouma admits Villa have struggled to keep momentum after solid enough starts to seasons in the past - despite the current euphoria they are currently just one point better off than last season - but says the team are determined not to let their current lofty position slip.

"In previous seasons we have struggled a little bit. But we had that unbeaten nine game run at the end of last season which was good and showed a little bit of our potential. Now hopefully we can push on.

"As for whether we can keep this up, if we can keep away from injuries, then you never know.

"You only have to look at the match programmes of each game and look at the names on the back. We always have the smallest squad.

"So if we can get some signings in January that will help. Once you get yourself into the position we are in at the moment, then you don't want to slip up."

Villa tackle sixth-placed Portsmouth tomorrow with the victor rising to fifth in the table overnight at least with Manchester City not travelling to Spurs until Sunday.

Bouma says both sides are cock-a-hoop after recent results.

"We know they're on a good run, but we are also. We are confident and we are at home.

"Unfortunately we lost to Arsenal but we showed against them that we can play good football. If we are to keep our position in the table then we have to get something from this game."

Bouma is looking forward to another huge home crowd to roar Villa on.

He added: "Expectations are high now because we are playing really well. And if you have that support behind you, then there is always something extra you can do."