Nicky Shorey admits being dropped last week by Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill was the kick in the pants he needed.

"I'm always disappointed when I'm not playing, but there's obviously a reason behind it," said England fullback Shorey.

"I just want to play, but that's the way it is in football and you can't play every game.

"I've come back against Ajax and really enjoyed it. He's the manager, he makes the decisions that's the bottom line and you get on with it."