Aston Villa: Stephen Warnock concentrating on keeping left-back role

Nov 26 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

Aston Villa left-back Stephen Warnock admits he can only concentrate on his own fine form rather than worry about the contrasting fortunes of Nicky Shorey.

Since Warnock took his place in the side, Shorey has been forced to seek first-team football elsewhere and starts a loan spell at Nottingham Forest today.

But, although Warnock spares a thought for Shorey’s situation, the former Blackburn defender is more interested in his own performance level.

Warnock has been a Premier League ever-present for Martin O’Neill’s Champions League chasers since agreeing a £7 million-plus move in August.

The 27-year-old, who has made the No.3 berth his own since his debut against Blues, experienced similar frustration to Shorey at Liverpool.

“Of course I feel a little bit of sympathy for Nicky Shorey, but I’ve been in that situation myself when I’ve been at a club,” said Warnock.

“When I was at Liverpool there were people coming in in front of me and you don’t know what to do.

“But it’s football, there’s always another game and there’s always another chance that will come along where you can get your place.

“I’m sure that will be the same for Nicky, but I can only be selfish and think of myself. I can’t worry about others and that’s the way you’ve got to be.”

Warnock insists that having a quality player like Shorey breathing down his neck has helped him maintain high standards in his first few months at Villa.

He has been so impressive in claret and blue that he earned an England recall earlier this month, even though he did not play in the friendly against Brazil in Qatar.

But Warnock is convinced that Shorey, himself a former Three Lions international during his days at Reading, has sufficient character to battle on and kick-start his career.

“When you’ve got competition it keeps your performance level up,” added Warnock.

“Nicky’s a very good player, but he’s not got to where he is from just lying down and accepting what’s going to happen.

“I’m sure he’s going to be doing everything he can to get in the team. He’s a very good player. There’s no doubting that. I don’t think the manager would have brought him to the club if he wasn’t.”