Steve Sidwell has spoken of his injury frustration but vowed: "I'll be back and pushing for a place soon."

The summer signing from Chelsea is currently sidelined with a thigh strain and will again have a watching brief as Villa travel to Barclays Premier League newboys Stoke City this afternoon.

Sidwell hopes to step up his training next week but is refusing to put a date on his return to action. 

One thing is certain though -  the former Reading midfielder is champing at the bit.

He told www.avfc.co.uk: "Obviously it's not been the best of starts for me, tearing the calf. It's been a frustrating time. I tried to come back and it's not ready yet. It's getting there though and I'm close.

"I don't want to put a time on it because obviously it's disheartening if you don't make it. But the way the last few days have gone it's improving a lot.

"I can understand why we're being cautious. There's a long season ahead of us and we have to make sure I'm right before returning to action."

He continued: "Touch-wood, I've never been one for being injured. All throughout my career I've been very lucky. So to be out now is very frustrating, especially because of the timing of the injury.

"It's a new club and I want to impress and show everyone what I can do. Plus it's the start of the season when all footballers want to be playing.

"But it is a long season and the last thing I want to do is come back early and then breakdown because then I'd be back to square-one. I want to make sure it's right and then come back fully fit. Then we'll go from there.

"I'm a really bad watcher of games. Don't get me wrong I watch the games and I want all the boys to play well. I want us to win but I don't like watching games. It's difficult but I've just got to get through it and hopefully be back sooner rather than later."