Aston Villa defender Martin Laursen is delighted with his form this season.

Laursen, who expects to earn a new contract if he maintains his current form, said: "I'm feeling good physically and that has always been the most important thing for me.

"The knee is not giving me any trouble. I am feeling good. That is nice.

"I finished off well last season and that was a big boost for me and then I had a good pre-season and I've managed to kick on from it and to train and to play the games.

"I'm very happy with my form at the moment. My confidence has improved with that and I've been lucky to have played some good games. The way I play football is suited more to England than in Italy.

"If there's one good thing about being injured, it makes you appreciate every minute you are on the pitch and every minute of every training session."