By Paul Brown

Charlie Aitken has backed Stephen Warnock to get over his World Cup heartache with another solid season at Villa.

Warnock was part of the England party which went out at the second round stage in South Africa following a frustrating defeat to Germany.

And, despite the annoyance of the Three Lions early exit from the competition, Aitken believes Warnock will come out firing when the coming campaign begins.

Aitken said: "I like Warnock a lot.

"He's what I would describe as a proper old school full-back.

"He can block, he can tackle, he can win the ball, he can get rid of it simply or he can bring it forward if there's a chance to do so.

"When I was playing I always knew what my strengths were. I had a strong left foot so I would always show wingers down the outside where I knew I could be stronger than them.

"If they came inside I used to find it a bit harder so I would always do my best to play to my strengths.

"I think Stephen is the same - he knows what he's good at and he doesn't overcomplicate it.

"I've been really impressed with him and I think he'll have another good season next term."

Warnock is relishing the coming campaign and believes Villa will come into their own as the likes of Richard Dunne, James Collins and Stewart Downing continue to bed in.

The summer signing also insists the experience of reaching Wembley twice and sustaining a challenge for fourth place right up until the penultimate weekend of the season will provide Villa with an excellent platform.

He said: "I think it was successful last season.

"I think it was disappointing at times, getting to Wembley and not getting the rub of the green.

"Those things happen. But hopefully they will make the group stronger as a team."