Aston Villa star is ready for Manchester United challenge

Nov 21 2008 By Bill Howell

a success at Villa. I have strong faith in my ability.”

Shorey admits that from a purely personal point of view the gloss was taken off Villa’s historic win at The Emirates by the fact he was sat in the stands and not taking part.

“It was an unbelievable result for us. The lads worked so hard. It’s never nice watching from the sidelines but obviously I was delighted.”

Shorey can perhaps take the positives from Curtis Davies’ situation with the England centre-back recently left out of the Villa side for four games.

“Curtis has done really well. He deserved his call-up,’’ he said.

“That’s just the way it goes sometimes in football. It’s always disappointing especially if you think you have been doing okay.”

There are no regrets about his August move from Reading.

“Ever since I’ve come into the club I’ve enjoyed it with the lads. They have really made me feel at home.

“I already know ‘Siddy’ (Steve Sidwell) from our Reading days and you quickly get to know the rest of the lads. Everyone has been really friendly.”

So has Shorey cast aside his own international ambitions? Not quite.

He added: “You always want to represent your country.

“It’s something I would love to do again but first of all I have to get back in the Villa team