Moustapha Salifou is happy with his first months at Aston Villa.

The Togo international midfielder told his club's website: "I feel happy with the way things have gone, although I would obviously like more chances to play.

"It's disappointing that I haven't played more but if you look at the squad there are some very good midfielders here.

"People like Gareth Barry and Nigel Reo-Coker have played well all season, so it's obviously difficult for the manager to change things. I accept that I have to be patient."

"But I need to play more next season if I want to earn another contract. My aim is to make an impression and stay here even longer.

"I feel I have the ability and I will be physically ready because I will be able to prepare properly in pre-season.

"I wasn't able to do that this season. The other players started without me and then I had to wait until October before my work permit was issued.

"It was also a big jump from the second division in Switzerland to the English Premier League. It's completely different here. The game is more physical, it's much quicker and you have to do much more running.

"As a midfielder, you have to keep going up and down the pitch. You never stop running but I've got used to that now."