Aston Villa striker Darren Bent hopes to extend his loan stay with Brighton.

His loan is due to end after two more matches, at home to Reading on Boxing Day and at his old club Fulham three days later.

Bent said: "I've enjoyed myself here. Everyone has been fantastic. If it's a case of me staying down here or going back to Villa and not playing, sitting on the bench, I'd rather stay at Brighton.

"I've loved playing for Aston Villa but, at the end of the day, there's only so much someone can take. And if I'm going to go back and not play and sit on the bench I'd rather stay here, because since I've been at Brighton it's been fantastic and I've loved every minute of it."