Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell offers no apologies for his all-action style.

Sidwell faces former club Chelsea this weekend and won't be holding back.

"I put my tackles in and I'm a team player," said Sidwell.

"I'll put my head, leg or whatever into challenges whether it is in my favour or the odds are stacked against me. I play with my heart on my sleeve. Me, Nigel Reo-Coker and Stiliyan Petrov are combative central midfield players.

"That's why, when we play as a three, we're very solid and hard to break down because we all stick together and get stuck in.

"Obviously I don't like picking up bookings but you are going to get a couple if you pride yourself on getting about and trying to win the game."