Aston Villa midfielder Chris Hogg is hoping for a first team chance in tonight's Carling Cup tie with Leicester City.

Having seen reserves teammates Zoltan Stieber and Shane Lowry win opportunities this season, Hogg told Villa's website: "Everyone is after a squad number - that's what we're all aiming for. We've got a good bunch of lads who are working hard to succeed and being handed a squad number is the next aim for us all.

"Zoltan and Shane have been in and around the first team in pre-season and that's been a big confidence boost for the younger lads.

"Looking back, this club has pushed through a lot of players from the academy so it's definitely the place for young lads to be."

Hogg has already impressed so far this season, with solid performances in the opening games of the campaign.

"It's been a superb start, with back-to-back victories against West Ham and Fulham. I scored my first goal of the campaign too against the Hammers and that was a good feeling. To open my account in the first game of the season fills me with a lot of confidence."