Nigel Reo-Coker admits he would relish the chance to lead Villa into action next season, reflecting: "To be handed the captaincy would be a real honour."

But the former England Under-21 and West Ham skipper knows he must wait while Martin O'Neill ponders who should wear the captain's armband.

O'Neill says a decision will not be made until much nearer the start of the season and Reo-Coker said: "We haven't really spoken about that. We don't know what the situation is over what is going to be happening or who's going to be captain.

"I led out the side at Liverpool and we did really well that night and did enough to win. For me I am already used to playing with the weight of expectation on my shoulders. It is nothing new to me.

"I did it at West Ham and I was under-21 captain. Being captain is a declaration and regardless of whether I have the armband or not I will still be as vocal as I always am and be as determined to win and aggressive as I always have and will be."

Reo-Coker aims to build on an impressive first Villa season and hopes a continuation of the form seen last term could catch England coach Fabio Capello's eye.

But he added: "I can't look that far ahead. As players, we can't do much about the international scene. All we at Villa should care about is performing for our domestic club and being successful there - that is what it is about."