Steve Sidwell desperate to grab starting spot at Aston Villa

Jul 23 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

Despite featuring heavily in Villa’s winter wonder run, when O’Neill’s men went 13 league games unbeaten, Sidwell endured a frustrating injury-affected first year at Villa Park.

But the energetic 26-year-old has returned with a vengeance in pre-season and scored in both of Villa’s friendlies against Peterborough and Colchester.

And Sidwell is determined to be a hit at Villa this season and prove why O’Neill was so keen to bring him from Stamford Bridge for £5 million last summer.

“It was a bit stop-start for me last year,” added Sidwell.

“Every footballer will tell you that they need a run of games and I’m no different.

“I didn’t have a pre-season, I was injured during that when I tore my calf. I was out about 12 weeks with that. I came back and had a good spell just before Christmas.

“Then the gaffer bought Emile Heskey, changed the system and I never got back in.

“But, in all honesty, my form had dipped. Then, I picked up an ankle knock in Moscow and that was it.

‘‘In my mind it was a case of getting the season out of the way and focusing on this one.

“So I did make a conscious effort to keep on top of my fitness during the close season. I’ve got a lot more to offer the club than what the supporters saw. I was disappointed, but I can do better.

“I’ve been here a season. I’ve got used to the environment, the new club, the family is settled, so that’s all done.

‘‘I need a good pre-season. I feel strong and I can’t wait for the season to start.”