Reo-Coker in pledge after being left out of Aston Villa starting XI

Aug 30 2009 by Mathew Kendrick, Sunday Mercury

NIGEL Reo-Coker has opened his heart on how much it hurts him to be left out of Aston Villa’s starting XI and pledged his 100 per cent commitment to the claret and blue cause.

Reo-Coker looked to be sulkily heading for the Villa Park exit after failing to make the first team for the opening day Premier League defeat to Wigan Athletic a fortnight ago.

The former West Ham midfielder admits he was fuming after being overlooked in favour of Fabian Delph, prompting question marks over his future with Martin O’Neill’s men.

But despite being rested for Thursday’s Europa League exit against Rapid Vienna, Reo-Coker has been given a new lease of life after his first competitive start in the first leg at Rapid Vienna and an inspirational role in Villa’s famous win at Anfield.

And the former England U21 captain insists that he is determined to be an integral part of Villa’s new look, post-Gareth Barry, midfield alongside Stiliyan Petrov and Steve Sidwell.

“I’m 100 per cent committed and I’m always committed to the cause,” said Reo-Coker, who has been linked with moves to Tottenham, Sunderland and Middlesbrough during the summer.

“It’s not just my own personal pride, it’s for my family and my friends and people that support me.

“Whether it’s football or whatever occupation I was doing I’d be committed to the cause, and that’s me.

“Sometimes it might be a weakness to do it, but I do wear my heart on my sleeve and that’s just me, I can’t change who I am.”