MAN-of-the-moment Marc Albrighton insists it never crossed his mind to leave Villa – permanently or on loan – during his first-team exile.

Albrighton has forced his way back into Alex McLeish’s starting line-up after warming the bench for much of the early part of the season.

The winger was handed a first league start in the defeat to Manchester United and kept his place to score and shine in the win at Bolton.

Albrighton admits he “can’t think of anything worse” than leaving his boyhood club after dismissing internet rumours linking him with Rangers.

“I haven’t seen those,” he said. “I have a mate at Rangers but I won’t be going there any time soon.

“I don’t want to think about leaving at the minute. I know things have not been great.

“I am a Villa boy and I can’t think of anything worse than leaving the club that’s given me all my games and all my happy moments.

“One day I may have to leave and it will be a sad day but at the minute I am concentrating on playing well for Villa.”

Albrighton did not even ask McLeish about the prospect of going out on loan for first-team football during his spell on the sidelines.

The 22-year-old preferred a tough battle for his Villa place rather than the “easy option” of temporarily dropping down a division.

“The manager told me I was in his plans, he wanted me to get back to my best and as soon as I was then he wanted to put me in,’’ he added.

“I have not said anything to him about going out. I know I have not been playing and I want to play football but I don’t want to take the easy option of going on loan and getting games.

“I want to fight for my place here and see if I can establish myself and get back to my best here. I don’t want to take the easy route. I prefer to do the hard work!”