Ciaran Clark happy to bide time at Villa

Ciaran Clark is quietly biding his time and waiting for his chance – but that is exactly what you would expect from the level-headed youngster.

The versatile defender has made only two starts under Villa boss Alex McLeish this season – against Hereford and Manchester City – to go with a handful of substitute appearances.

As a player who is mature beyond his years Clark is the epitome of the model professional and there was never any question of him selfishly rocking the boat.

However, despite the cool persona there burns a strong desire to force his way into the Villa starting line-up and Clark is determined to take his chance if, as likely, it comes against Arsenal tonight.

"It has been a little bit frustrating but I have just got to keep working hard. The two lads in front of me in James Collins and Richard Dunne are both quality players," said Clark.

"The rest of the lads who aren't in the side at the moment just have to knuckle down, keep going in training to put pressure on the starting lads by staying fit for when that chance comes along.

"I haven't been banging the manager's door down but he knows I'm keen to play by the way I go about things in training.

"We just have to let the manager make his decision.

"Marc Albrighton has done brilliantly recently and he's a good example of someone who's had his chance, got in there and taken it. He's deserved it, so fair play to him.

"And that's what I am looking to do when the chance comes along. To take it and claim that spot."

Rewind the clock 12 months and it was a different story for Clark who won the hearts of the Villa fans with a fine performance in the 4-2 home loss to Arsenal.

The 22-year-old fondly recalls the game in which he received praise from Gunners boss Arsene Wenger for an impressive display in midfield and two goals including a spectacular strike from the edge of the penalty area.

"I've obviously got great memories of playing against Arsenal from last season, having scored a couple of goals against them, although obviously it didn't mean as much because we lost the game," added Clark. "The first goal was probably one of the best I've scored.

"It dropped to me on the edge of the box and I just hit it sweetly and it flew into the net so that was probably one of the highlights of my Villa career so far.

"But this is a new season now and everyone is just looking to get out there and perform well.

"It's a big game against Arsenal. They are one of the top sides and hopefully I can be involved.

"As a young player these are the kinds of games you get excited about and really want to play in.

"But I want to play in as many games as possible for Villa irrespective of the opposition, to be honest," he said.

"The Premier League is the best in the world and to be playing in it for Villa is unbelievable for me."

It has been suggested that Clark could be allowed out on loan to get some games under his belt and keep him sharp.

But Villa boss McLeish says the size of his squad makes that impossible. "I just could not afford to send him out," explained McLeish.

"There are going to be players left out that are not particularly happy about it. His attitude has been brilliant.

"He played for the reserves the other week and was solid, he showed his aggression and authority and I'm very pleased with him."