James Collins says Aston Villa players owe manager Alex McLeish a performance.

Collins, 28, admitted he was one of the culprits in a dismal 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on Monday night that provoked supporters' fury.

But as Villa head for Swansea City today, he insisted the club is moving forward again under McLeish's management.

Collins said: "We know there are fans who are still not happy with the manager and that one bad performance would bring people out again against him, but that is wrong.

"I think the manager has done a great job. I hope the fans can realise that he is here to help Aston Villa, he is the manager, and we are working tremendously hard for him.

"We were getting better until Monday - and we've got to show that again at Swansea. It's going to be a big game for everybody."