Aston Villa midfielder Barry Bannan admits he had an up-and-down last season.
He believes his Blackpool adventure last season - where he helped the Seasiders to Premier League promotion - will stand him in good stead.
He told Villa's website: "Last pre-season was quite poor from me. I had my chances and I didn't really take them. I think I did alright against Walsall and Bohemians this time though.
"Hopefully I'll get some more game time and go on from there.
"There are a lot of games coming up this year, though, with the Europa League so hopefully I will get a chance.
"I had a good run at Blackpool and was starting every game and then I broke my toe and was out for six weeks.
"I came back and they went on an incredible run. It was hard to get back in the team then but I was still getting 20-30 minutes.
"I was in the reserves here and I wasn't getting on the first team bench so to go to Blackpool and play games was brilliant for my education."
