Nathan Delfouneso is happy to challenge for a first-team spot at Aston Villa rather than go out on loan. The England Under-19 player's chances of playing regularly are currently blocked by the likes of John Carew, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey.

But he is content to play a waiting game with the midlands club and has faith in his ability if given a chance by Martin O'Neill.

Delfouneso said: "Can I challenge regularly for a first-team spot? I hope so. It is not down to me, it is down to the gaffer.

"But I have faith in my ability that I can step up and produce.

"The boys are playing well, and I have to wait my time and wait for my turn, and hope the chance will come sooner rather than later.

"In most games so far, when I have started, I have scored and hopefully I can keep that going. I am here as a striker to score goals and that is what I am expecting to do."

Delfouneso added: "Has the manager talked about me going out on loan? No. I am happy at the moment. Obviously, I want to play more and hopefully I get my opportunities but I'm going to work hard to try and get in the team here.

"We've got three quality international strikers who have been playing well all season so I can't complain. I've got to wait my turn.

"I don't find it difficult playing in the reserves. A game is a game whether in front of 200 people or 30,000. A game is a game. You go and do your best and hopefully play well and move on."