Zat Knight admits progress to the UEFA Cup is critical for Aston Villa's transfer plans.

Villa drew 2-2 with Intertoto Cup opponents Odense last night and defender Knight told avfc.co.uk: "If we can qualify for the UEFA Cup that should help the manager bring in new players. Every player who comes to the Premier League wants to play for a team in Europe.

"So if we can get there in the next two games there's still a month left in the window, so it's definitely going to attract players.

"This is a massive club with a big history in Europe and the Premier League. Hopefully qualifying for the UEFA Cup would open a few players' eyes and help us attract the bigger names."

Knight continued: "The manager's brought in Steve Sidwell and if all his summer signings are of that quality we'll all be happy. Everyone can see we've got a small squad and we're trying to add to it.

"He's taking his time about it and he won't just bring in anybody to make up the numbers. He's trying to bring in quality and that's what we need.

"Last season we were lucky with injuries and we can't keep riding our luck, eventually it will run out. If we can get in a few more quality players to add to what we've already got, hopefully we can have another good season."