By Dan Harrison

Ciaran Clark has paid tribute to his defensive colleagues for their words of encouragement during Saturday's 3-0 win over West Ham.

The defender impressed in his second top flight start but was quick to acknowledge Richard Dunne, Luke Young and Stephen Warnock for boosting him throughout the victory.

The reserve team skipper admits it was reassuring to have an experienced head like Dunne alongside him.

Now Clark is braced for a battle to hold on to his place, with injured trio Curtis Davies, James Collins and Carlos Cuellar hoping to return to full fitness.

However, it is a challenge the 20-year-old is relishing.

Clark told AVTV: "It makes it so much easier when you are playing with good players like that. Richard Dunne is an Irish international - you expect him to play well in every game and he does.

"He doesn't disappoint and he talks to you throughout the game which is a massive help. It is a boost to your confidence as well. I think it just makes it so much easier.

"The likes of Stephen Warnock and Luke Young as well - they are always talking to you helping you through the game so it is a massive help.

"We've got a decent squad here now. We've got a lot of defenders and there are a couple out injured still - the likes of Curtis, James Collins and Carlos Cuellar.

"They are all going to be fighting for a place and we are all going to be working hard in training fighting for a spot."

Clark was able to share the occasion with close pals Barry Bannan, Marc Albrighton and Andreas Weimann, who he played with at reserve and youth level.

Albrighton sparkled on his first Premier League start, while Bannan and Weimann made their top flight bows as late substitutes.

It was fitting for Clark to play senior football alongside three players with whom he progressed through the Villa ranks.

He added: "We've played together for the last five years, us boys.

"We've played together right through in the reserves and youth team. We are pushing through together now and it is enjoyable when we play together.

"It helps because we know what each player does, what his strengths and weaknesses are and it was enjoyable as well."