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The lack of first team opportunities nearly forced the former England Under-21 midfielder to quit Villa Park: “It was a consideration, because I didn’t feel I was going to be part of it," he said.
“The gaffer suggested I would be, but at the same time said that if I wasn’t he wouldn’t hold me back. He is very straight with the players in that regard.
“If you’re not playing at my age, then maybe you need to move on and the gaffer has made it clear he wouldn’t hold anyone back.
“Being out of the side last season was a tough time, but I said to myself I wasn’t going to get down. I was determined to battle on and I did.
“And, although I didn’t figure in the InterToto Cup, pre-season was a fresh start for me and I felt I did well.”
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