KYLE Walker is targeting clean sheets in possibly his final matches at Villa after playing down a spat with Stiliyan Petrov caused by the team’s poor defending.

Walker insists he has hugged Petrov following a heated exchange with the captain during Saturday’s 2-1 derby defeat to West Brom at the Hawthorns.

The pair were seen to have angry words as Villa wasted an early lead to lose to their local rivals for the first time in 26 years with two sloppy second-half goals.

“It is frustrating,” said Walker. “We are passionate about football. We don’t like losing anything. Even if it’s playing cards, I hate losing.

“For us to be 11 v 10 and pushing on to get the goal, you could feel it was coming.

“In the sense we couldn’t get the goal, but we always had to be aware of the counter-attack. Everything is fine between me and Stan now.

“We are passionate, we both had a hug in the changing room so everything is fine.”

Walker’s attacking approach has made him an instant fans’ favourite – with the claret and blue faithful hoping he can extend his loan from Spurs or sign permanently next season.

But despite enjoying his five months spell at Villa Park, the young defender has only helped Villa keep one clean sheet in his 15 Premier League and cup appearances since the start of January.

Walker is likely to be recalled by Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp to White Hart Lane when his temporary deal expires later this month despite Villa’s interest in prolonging his stay.