Dogged Shorey targets recall

Nicky Shorey is determined to win his place back in the Aston Villa starting line-up after not even making the substitute's bench for the win at Arsenal.

The former Reading full-back had been a regular in Martin O'Neill's first-team plans until losing his place to Carlos Cuellar for the Emirates Stadium victory.

However, as the Spaniard is struggling with a thigh injury, Shorey is hoping he wins a recall for this weekend's encounter with Manchester United.

He told the Birmingham Mail: "We're up against one of the biggest clubs in the world this weekend. It's good to test yourself against those sorts of players.

"The manager has decisions to make and has made them. I haven't talked to him about being dropped, I've just had to get on with it.

"It happens in football. Whether you agree with it or not you have to get on with it.

"After not playing against Portsmouth (in October) I think I've shown what I can do. I've been playing okay.

"Obviously it was a slow start trying to get to grips with everything. It's disappointing missing the Arsenal game but that's just the way it is. No-one is guaranteed their place.

"It's a big club but I'm confident in my ability to go on and be a success at Villa. I have strong faith in my ability."