Aston Villa fullback Eric Lichaj stands by his aggressive style.

The 24-year-old full-back insists he is not a dirty player, but admits he will do what it takes to stop opponents scoring against Villa.

"I wouldn't say I'm a dirty player," said Lichaj.

"But if there is ten minutes left and someone beats at the half-way line and we only have a few defenders back then I'll hold the striker and take a yellow card, it's as simple as that.

"It's little things like that. You want to be a bit tougher and intimidating as well.

"Sometimes if you get a tackle wrong it can be intimidating and you get a yellow card.

''I guess that's part of being a defender.

"I think any team, whether they are old players or young players they are probably going to make a challenge to earn a yellow card to prevent a really good goalscoring opportunity or get the team back from a counter-attack. Everyone would do that."