Aston Villa midfielder vows to stay and fight for his place

Sep 29 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

Gardner has been the victim of his versatility in recent seasons, filling in as a makeshift full-back and winger instead of his preferred central role.

But despite being limited to most of his starts in cup competitions last term, the 22-year-old is not going to rock the boat with O’Neill.

“I haven’t spoken to the manager about it,” said Gardner.

“We’ve been playing brilliantly haven’t we? And the team’s been strong. Yes, it has been frustrating, but that’s football.

“You can’t expect to walk straight back in. If the gaffer’s including me on the bench then hopefully I’ll start playing more as the season goes on.

“Aston Villa is a massive club and I want to stay here as long as I possibly can, hopefully in the first team.

“With me it is about playing, but it’s all about winning.

“If we’re winning and I’m still in the squad and we’re doing well and progressing as a team then that’s what it’s about.

“Yes I do want to play football and yes I do want to better myself but it’s about winning at the end of the day.”