Nicky Shorey made a winning Villa debut in Iceland and reflected: "That was a great workout with the Premier League season almost here."

Martin O'Neill's men beat FH Hafnarfjordur 4-1 at the Laugardalsvöllur Stadium in Reykjavík but the Icelandic league leaders asked a few questions of Villa's new-look defence.

And, speaking to AVTV Online Shorey told www.avfc.co.uk: "It was always going to be a tough game. We were obviously favourites but it doesn't always work out like that. I found it tough going to be honest but it was good for the fitness.

"It's been a hectic few days. I haven't played for a couple of weeks and I probably needed that game. Thankfully we got the win.

"They put us under pressure at times and it was tough going at times. I'm just pleased to get my debut under my belt now and I can push on.

"It's going to take a bit of time for the new defence to gel. I'm not used to the way they do things at the moment. Obviously I was at Reading for seven years and it's going to take me a bit of time.

"We just want to get the Premier League season started now. So bring on Sunday."