Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish feels they'll start climbing the table once their creative players catch fire.

McLeish wants more from creative players like Stephen Ireland and Charles N'Zogbia.

He said: "We said guys like Stevie and Charles have to take more responsibility. It's a great opportunity for the boys to show they can be top players.

"Stevie was excellent and a real thorn in Blackburn's side. We lost Keane and he was a goalscorer who could link midfield to attack. Now Charles and Stevie have to score goals. That is going to be one of the differences.

"Someone has to put their foot on the ball.

"We certainly had fantastic application from the players.

"They nearly held out but didn't and that has blighted us this season so far."