Aston Villa: Albrighton's delight at hearing his name sung by the Holte End

Sep 6 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

“When you are an established first-team player and you are injured you know someone will always take a gamble on you.

“But when you’re a young lad, you know you might not get another chance and that could be your career over.

“Luckily I’ve had another chance and I intend to take advantage. I want to make up for lost time.”

As well as his frustrating FA Cup bow against Brighton, Albrighton’s European and Premier League debuts ended in disappointment when Villa lost to CSKA Moscow and Wigan last season and the campaign before.

But he hopes his impressive first top-flight start against West Ham last month will stand him in good stead after playing a part in all three goals and being named man of the match.

“To have fans singing your name is the stuff that dreams are made of,” Albrighton added.

“I wasn’t expecting that. I’d had mixed emotions when I played against CSKA and Wigan, but against West Ham it turned out brilliantly.”