Stephen Warnock wants Aston Villa to strike fear into hearts of opponents

Oct 21 2009 by Lisa Smith, Birmingham Mail

It is the start of a tough run of four away games on the bounce for Villa, who also face Sunderland in the Carling Cup, Everton and then West Ham.

“This will be a test of stamina and resolve,” Warnock said of the Wolves game. “But no-one is going to want to play us. Everyone is going to fear us. We know we are a good team.

“We know we’ve got that confidence in the dressing room so it’s for teams to fear us now. We go to people’s grounds and they will be fearing us going there.”

Warnock was instrumental in the victory over Chelsea and has become an instant hit with the fans.

However, he was keen to deflect the attention on to team-mates James Collins and Richard Dunne for their recent contributions.

“The two lads at the back are brilliant in the air,” Warnock said. “They always attack everything at both ends. You can see the commitment they show in defending at set-pieces as well.

“Richard and James have been outstanding. They are both brilliant players and that is why they have been brought to the football club, to improve us.”

Warnock admits the pair have responded admirably since the defeat to Blackburn, which saw their only mistakes and Dunne give away a penalty.

“It was one of those games when you are bombarded under pressure all the time and it only took one lapse of concentration for Blackburn to get in and score,” Warnock said.

“They are two fantastic players. It is enjoyable playing with them every week because you know how good and how strong they are.”