Wilfred Bouma ready to fight for left-back spot at Villa

Sep 17 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“If you want to be a good club, you need competition for places.

“We have had a small squad in recent years. Now it’s great to have more solid players coming in.

“We’ve got three players battling for the full-back slot now.”

Bouma is confident he can recapture his best form despite being sidelined since sustaining the horrific injury against Odense in July last year.

“I know what I’m capable of when I’m fit and I’ll be fighting hard to get back in the team as soon as I can,” he added.

“I will look forward to the battle to get in the team.

“I am confident I can get back to that level I was at before I got injured.

“Competition is there for all to see all over the side – midfield, centre-half, up front, at right-back. It’s good to have quality everywhere.

“Look at what happened to me. You wouldn’t wish it on anyone but it can always happen and you need people to come in if it does.”