Steve Staunton aims to regain his place in the Aston Villa team following his World Cup travels with the Republic of Ireland. Staunton only reported back to the club the day before the game against Middlesbrough following his trip to Tehran, so Villa boss John Gregory opted to recall Olof Mellberg who was returning from a seven-match absence with a calf injury. This situation could be repeated on Sunday when Villa travel to fellow front runners Leeds.
"I know the competition for places at Villa is intense at the present time but the way I am playing I feel that I've proved myself in the side. Now it is down the manager. He has a decision to make but that is what he is paid for to select the side. He knows that if I'm not in I will be very disappointed but this is a situation we will have to face when it occurs and not before," said Staunton, who believes that he is playing some of the best football of his career.
Gregory has stressed that he just felt Staunton should be rested upon his return from Iran, and the veteran defender remains elated following Ireland's World Cup qualification. "At the present time I am on a high after Ireland's success in qualifying for the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea next year. I've enjoyed myself and I thought it was a great achievement in beating Iran in the play-offs. They are a better team than some people give them credit for on past performances. It was a great experience for me and I'm never happier than when I am playing," said Staunton.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
