Aston Villa defender Joe Bennett has revealed that he is eager to cement his place in the first team at the club.

The 24-year-old has spent most of the current season out injured with back and knee problems, but he has managed six appearances for the Villans since returning to fitness in February.

Bennett now hopes that he can stay fit and establish himself at Villa Park for years to come.

"There's great competition at left-back, with Antonio [Luna] and Ryan [Bertrand] coming in. It's made me more determined to succeed here," he told the club's official website.

"That competition is something to thrive on. You have to see it as a challenge - and a challenge you want to succeed with.

"I have real motivation to do well here at Villa. Competition brings out the very best in you. It pushes you on, no doubt."

Villa return to Premier League action on Saturday when they travel to Crystal Palace.