Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish has challenged Stephen Warnock and Stephen Ireland to resurrect their careers at Villa Park.
The pair are back in the first team frame after being frozen out by former manager Gerard Houllier.
Eck said: "They have trained to a very good level pre-season and it is up to these guys to show they can do it when the real deal is about to start. I'm not going to guarantee anyone walking into the team or tell you who is going to be playing.
"But these two guys are players Aston Villa spent a lot of money on in terms of transfer fees and wages. We have to try and get more out of them and the signs have been good.
"The two of them have put in a great shift in pre-season and we know what they are capable of giving. The evidence is there.
"They both played for their countries. Ireland had a marvellous season with Man City two years ago and Warnock played for England."
