Ross Barkley admits consistency was a big reason for him leaving Chelsea for Aston Villa.

The 26-year-old midfielder has joined Villa on a season-long loan.

And Barkley believes he was unable to get a decent run of games with the Blues, even when he was playing well.

Speaking to the Villa website, the Englishman said: "The last couple of years I've been stop-start, performing well and then being out of the team.

"To come here and have the chance to play and perform regularly is a big thing for me. With the Euros at the end of the season, it's a big target for me and hopefully I can be there.

"Dean Smith swayed me with the way he spoke to me, and it looks like it's going to be an exciting season."