Marc Albrighton has admitted to enduring a very 'tough' start to the current Premier League season with Aston Villa.
The 21-year old winger has come off the bench on six occasions this season despite the fact that Ashley Young and Stewart Downing paved the way by leaving the club in the summer.
Albrighton was tipped to replace one of the departed two but has failed to step into their shoes with manager Alex McLeish preferring to keep him on the bench for the most part and he admits it has been hard.
"It has been a tough season for me so far," Albrighton told Express & Star.
"I have not hit the form that I'd like to and I've been disappointed and beaten myself up about my own performances.
"My confidence has been a bit low so to come and play for the reserves has been great to help build it back up."
Albrighton will be hoping he is included in McLeish's match-day squad when Villa take on Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
