Cuellar urges Aston Villa to put him at the heart of defence

Jul 29 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

CARLOS Cuellar has urged Martin O’Neill to make him a central character in the Villa defence next season.

Cuellar endured a frustrating start to his claret and blue career last term after being forced to play out of position at right-back.

The Spaniard has refused to complain about the unfamiliar role and believes he has steadily improved as a full-back. But with Curtis Davies the only other recognised senior centre-half at the club, Cuellar admits he would prefer to play at the heart of defence.

And he admits the time has come to prove himself as a first-team regular at Villa Park.

“I prefer to play in the centre because I feel more comfortable there,” said Cuellar.

‘‘I would like to play every game. Last year I had too many problems with certain injuries and I lost time and missed some games. This time I would like to play many more games.”

With Luke Young currently sidelined by a thigh problem, Cuellar is refusing to kick up a fuss if O’Neill continues to play him at right-back.

And the 27-year-old quipped that he is even willing to play in goal if it gets him a game.

“Last season I played so many games at right-back that I felt good,’’ he said.

‘‘If the gaffer wants me to play on the right, I’ll play on the right; if he wants me in the middle, I’ll play in the middle; if he wants me to play goalkeeper, I’ll play there.

“The most important thing is to be in the 11 players who start the game.

‘‘I’ve improved as a right-back by playing there because if you play in a different position you have to change your game. As right-back you have to run more than the centre back.”

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