New Aston Villa signing Nigel Reo-Coker will use last season's troubles at West Ham as inspiration this term.

The summer signing made a hugely impressive Villa Park debut yesterday as Martin O'Neill's men humbled Italian champions Inter Milan.

The Holte End were quickly chanting the name of their new midfield general as he produced an all-action display in the 3-0 pre-season victory.

Reo-Coker told Villa's website: "There was a lot that happened at West Ham last season and it's made me a stronger character and a lot more determined.

"I'll channel it in the right way and use that anger in the right way. I now just want to focus on getting Villa as high up the table as possible. The top six is realistic because Villa have got the players and they're heading in the right direction.

"Villa have got top players. I remember playing them early on last season at Upton Park because I didn't expect them to be that good. The year before we played them at our place and beat them 4-0, so we were quite confident.

"But as the game progressed I realised it was a totally different Villa side and I thought they'd go on to do really well. Some people might think it's not a great season to finish only 11th.

"But Villa drew games and weren't conceding goals and if they had had a goalscorer they would have finished in Europe.

"So I don't see that as a great negative and if we can build on that with a few additions this year, I see no reason why can't we achieve more this season."