Olof Mellberg: I'll give it my all

Mar 13 2008 By Bill Howell

OLOF Mellberg has insisted that he is desperate to play the season out with Villa, dismissing any notions his mind may already be on his summer switch to Juventus.

Mellberg is likely to win back his first team-place from Craig Gardner at Portsmouth on Saturday after being named as a substitute for only the second time in his club career.

He had missed two games with an ankle injury and has no intention of taking life easy.

"I definitely don't want to come out of the picture," he said.

"I want to play. That's my aim. I've said before and now more than ever: a big finish for us and a big finish for me.

"But it is up to the manager in the end and whatever his thoughts are on Europe.

"Craig Gardner started yesterday and we will just see what happens. I give my all in training and I have done in games.

"I have known for quite some time now that this was going to be my last season and I have only missed three games. I want to play and give everything."