Steve Sidwell backs Nicky Shorey to return for Aston Villa

Mar 6 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

Nicky Shorey on the ball.

“He’s done well in my opinion. He made a few mistakes, most notably in the Middlesbrough game and after that he’s not been selected in the league.

“He’s been disappointed but he’s got his head down and worked really hard. He showed when he’s stepped back in for the cup games that he’s a fantastic football player and that he’s not been affected by it.

“He’s done well and proved that he’ll not let anyone down.”

Sidwell has also had to cope with being on the fringes of the first-team in recent weeks after Emile Heskey’s arrival prompted Villa to switch from a 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2 formation.

The former Chelsea midfield dynamo is suffering from a slight ankle problem, but he is expected to be back in contention for the home match against Tottenham next Sunday.

“Coming to a squad like this you know there’s going to be competition, and that’s good, because it makes you raise your standards,” added Sidwell.

“And if you’re the one who is not in the team it should make you more determined to train in the right way and get back in.”