Steve Sidwell was delighted with his goal for Aston Villa in Saturday's victory over Stoke City.

"It was nice just to get on the pitch really. I saw the scoreline, it was 3-0 at the time, and I was hoping just for a little run-out," he said. "I just wanted to get on and show people what I can do. It was a little appearance but a big goal. It feels like a weight has been lifted.

"It has made the last three months much easier to take - and to be able to celebrate in front of the Villa supporters was fantastic."