Brett Holman eyeing a key role with Villa

Brett Holman was today hopeful he will get an opportunity to prove himself in his favoured midfield position for Villa.

The Australia playmaker has made a bright start to life at the club since he joined claret and blues on a Bosman transfer from AZ Alkmaar.

But competition for places is fierce in the centre of the park and Holman revealed he is ready to show his credentials in a competitive match with the start of the Premier League season just over a week away.

"I like to play in behind the strikers and I'm an attacking player," said Holman. "I like to always go forward to create goals, score goals and defensive wise it's not in my thinking really.

"You have to attack a lot and score goals to win games. When I first moved to Holland it was my aim to move into that role and I sort of moved from left to right.

"At AZ I played from the left side coming inside and with the Australian national team I play in behind the strikers.

"I've watched a little bit of English football and hopefully that role has a place in the game here as obviously that would give me more of chance."

Holman spent a decade in the Dutch Eredivisie but is confident he can adapt to the way the game is played in England.

"I think compared to Holland it is the sharpness and the speed of things here which is different," said the 28-year-old.

"You can tell it is quicker and that will be the big difference in matches well.

"I think if you watch Premier League games on the TV compared to the Dutch league you can tell it is a bit quicker. It shouldn't take me too long to adjust.

"You have to adapt and hopefully you can bring your own awareness and your technique to the English game. If you can combine those two things they can help you get through it."

Holman also spoke of his excitement at prospect of making his home debut, which could be against Everton on August 25.

"I haven't played in a game at Villa Park yet," he added.

"I've been to the stadium once and it looks fantastic, but you don't have a feeling for it until it's full and on a matchday. I don't think the size of the club has really sunk in just yet."