By Paul Brown

Nicky Shorey has backed Wilfred Bouma to come roaring back next season.

Shorey may be Bouma's direct competition for the left-back role but he is desperate to see the fan favourite return to full fitness by the time the new campaign begins.

He said: "Villa has competition for places and that's one of the reasons I came here.

"I was as gutted as anyone when Freddy didn't come back as quickly as we all hoped after that horrific injury.

"We just hope he'll be back for pre-season fighting fit now. I think everyone wants to see that and I'm no different. Freddy is a great lad.

"I've come in to the football club and he's made me feel very welcome, which is nice.

"When you're fighting for positions, whoever gets the nod, you've just got to back them fully with your support and hopefully whoever misses out gets a chance further down the line."