Shorey backs Villa colleague Sidwell to come good next season

Nicky Shorey believes Aston Villa will see the best of midfielder Steve Sidwell, who he played with at Reading, next season after a stop-start beginning at the Midlanders.

There has been speculation linking Sidwell, but Shorey has no doubt that he can be a big asset to boss Martin O'Neill.

The left-back said: "I don't think we have seen the best of Steve yet. Last season was a strange one for Siddy. He was out injured for long periods and picked up niggles here and there. I don't think he's ever had that before.

"For as long as I've known him, he's never really been injured, so I think that was something new for Siddy to try to learn from.

"Hopefully he will have a good pre-season and then we'll see the best of him and I think everyone will be impressed with how well he can do."

Shorey added: "Siddy just keeps on going. He'll be fine. There's no worries on that count. He can play in a three or a two. That's what he's done in the past.

"He's just an all round good midfielder and I'm sure he'll show that before too long."