Source: SKY_Sports
Shorey unsure of future
Nicky Shorey has expressed his satisfaction at starting Aston Villa's last three matches but admitted that he does not know where his long-term future lies.
The defender has found it difficult to establish himself as a regular in Martin O'Neill's side since joining from Reading last summer.
Luke Young was frequently preferred at left-back until O'Neill decided to make a tactical change for the recent clash with Manchester United.
Shorey started the game at Old Trafford and has also featured in the draws with Everton and West Ham.
O'Neill stated last week that Shorey has a future at the club and the 28-year-old concedes he is delighted to be more heavily involved.
He said: "It is nice to be playing. I haven't played a lot this season but that's just the way it is sometimes.
"I've not gone four months before without playing a league game, it's a new experience. You've got to take every experience as it comes and it will make you stronger.
"When you haven't played for a while, it is going to be tough on your fitness levels but I have felt all right the last couple of games and, with a few more, I'll be back up to speed.
"It is difficult coming to a new club. They might want different things from you than the previous club where I was a long time.
"It is going to take a bit of time but hopefully I am getting there and all I can do is get my head down and work hard."
Shorey, whose place could come under threat again when the likes of Martin Laursen and Wilfred Bouma return to full fitness, is keen to stay with the club.
But he knows the final decision could be out of his hands, adding: "Do I feel my future lies here? Who knows? I am just taking it a game at a time. That is not for me to say.
"As long as I am here, I will be working hard and getting my head down and trying to play as best as I can.
"If that is good enough for me to be at a club like Villa, then hopefully I will stay. I'm delighted just to be involved. That's the bottom line. Every footballer is happy when they are playing.
"That's the way it is but you are not so happy when you are not playing. Hopefully it will continue, but who knows?"
