By Paul Brown

Wilfred Bouma is relishing the competition of battling with Stephen Warnock and Nicky Shorey for his old left-back slot.

Bouma is also looking forward to feeling that "buzz" of putting on a claret and blue shirt again.

He said: "It will be emotional when I put that Villa shirt on again. That's my aim and ambition.

"When I'm back as part of the team on a matchday - whether starting or on the bench - it will be tremendous. It will be emotional.

"It will be amazing to be back - it will give me a real buzz. I can't wait.

"I am relishing the competition. Stephen is a good full-back. You can see he's a good player from what he did when he was at Blackburn.

"If you want to be a good club, you need competition for places. It's essential.

"We have had a small squad in recent years. Now it's great to have more solid players coming in.

"We've got three players battling for the full-back slot now. I know what I'm capable of when I'm fit and I'll be fighting hard to get back in the team as soon as I can. I will look forward to the battle to get in the team.

"I am confident I can get back to that level I was at before I got injured.

"Competition is there for all to see all over the side - midfield, centre-half, up front, at right-back. It's good to have quality everywhere.

"Look at what happened to me. You wouldn't wish it on anyone but it can always happen and you need people to come in if it does."