ANGEL DETERMINED TO WIN BACK STARTING PLACE

By Ryan Ghee
March 2 2006

Aston Villa striker Juan Pablo Angel has vowed to fight to earn himself a regular place in David O'Leary's starting eleven right up until the end of the season.

The Columbian striker has started only nine Premiership matches so far this season, hitting just two goals; a disappointing season by the standards of a striker who netted 23 times in the 03/04 season.

With Baros, Moore and Phillips looking like O'Leary's first choice strikers, Angel has had a tough time trying to regain his regular starting spot but after starting last Saturday's game against Charlton, he is hoping to convince the manager that he deserves a permanent starting role.

"It's been frustrating for me this season but the consistency of the team is reflected in all of us," Angel started.

"I was the first to raise my hand and say I wasn't playing well at the beginning of the season but the team wasn't performing very well either.

"I have had my ups and downs but that's normal. Every time the team has done well, I've usually done well ever since I've been here."

The slightly disgruntled striker continued, "You have to earn your place by what you do in training during the week and how you perform at the weekend, but every time I'm not involved I'm really disappointed.

"I want to play every week. That's what I'm here for and that's what I've done throughout my career; I've never been a substitute at any of my other clubs.

"But the season is far from over and I am pleased to be back in the starting line-up after being on the bench for so long. I want to play all the time."