Pires eager for Villa stay

Pires, 37, joined Villa on an initial six-month contract which runs to the end of the current campaign. The former Arsenal player took time to gain full sharpness and match fitness after not playing since the end of last season.

But there have been more encouraging signs and Pires was giving a standing ovation after his performance in Saturday's 4-1 home win over Blackburn.

Pires said: "I would you like to stay at Villa for another season. I really love this club. I love the players because it is a very good team. I know Gerard Houllier, I am French, he is French.

"The most important for me help this team because I have experience." Pires added: "I know I'm not going to play every game. I'm old! We have some very good players. Sometimes you play, sometimes you go to the bench.

"But when I play, I try to play very well, like against Blackburn at the weekend. But, for me, I need to help this team, or the younger players, because I have the experience."

Source: PA

Source: PA