Wayne Routledge is targeting a new contract this season with Aston Villa.

"This is a massive season for me, and the team,'' he told the Birmingham Mail. "I have got a lot to prove. While the team finished sixth last year, we feel we can do better so hopefully we can push on.

"I've got one year left on my contract. I am looking to play and hopefully get myself a new contract here because I want to crack on with my career.

"I would not have come here if I didn't think I could get involved in the team.

"I aim to prove I am good enough to play for the team and to try and improve the team. I feel I can do that.

"I feel I am part of the set-up here. It helps knowing a few of the boys from England under-21s and I also knew Zat Knight and Nigel Reo-Coker from a while back. That has helped me settle in and now I want to push on."