Aston Villa midfielder Ashley Westwood says home fans can be key in their clash with Stoke City.

Westwood has hailed the significant role of supporters in B6 since arriving from Crewe in the transfer window.

He told Villa's website: "Over the last few home games I have played in, Villa Park has been rocking. It's been booming.

"We need that again on Saturday against Stoke.

"We need the fans. Every team does. But I think that's especially true for us young players. They can lift us.

"We just need the fans to stick with us when things aren't going right in certain games. If they stay with us and get right behind us, I think we will come through most situations we're faced with."