Phil Bardsley has not written off Aston Villa's chances of playing European football next season and says that he would be happy to be part of the squad if, or when, it happens.
The right back, on loan with Villa from Manchester United, has settled in so quickly that it is becoming increasingly likely that he will move to Villa Park on a fixed contract.
Martin O'Neill, the Villa manager, is not likely to pursue the matter until later in the campaign but he is pleased with how well the player has performed on the pitch and endeared himself off it.
Bardsley, aged 21, knows that forcing Gary Neville, the England international right back, out of the United team will be difficult and accepts that Villa might be the best place to revive his career.
"If my future is at Aston Villa, I would be happy with that," Bardsley said. "It depends on whether the manager wants me here or not. I will have to see how it pans out.
"I honestly believe Villa are moving in the right direction but I think it is time that Villa, with the stadium that they have, are moving forwards. It is an unbelievable stadium.
"The training ground they are building here is amazing, the players they are bringing in . . . I am happy to be here. I am really happy and I think we will be pushing for a European spot, even this season."
Bardsley, who joined the club in early January, has already forged good friendships with Ashley Young and John Carew, both of whom moved to Villa Park to great acclaim four weeks ago.
January was seen as the most significant month in O'Neill's revolution and Bardsley is happy to be a part of it.
"It is has been good so far and I am really enjoying myself at Villa," Bardsley said.
"I came here to play first-team football but everyone is here for that. Just because I came from a club like Manchester United, it does not mean I don't have to fight for my place. I have to work hard to get into the starting XI and that is what I am doing.
"Being at a club with a player like Gary Neville ahead of me in the team, that makes me appreciate first-team football here. But when you get left out, that can be a nightmare because you enjoyed being in the team so much. It is just nice to get a few games under your belt.
"As for Villa, they are going in the right direction. The manager has come in and done a great job. He did have some limitations in terms of players at the start of the season but new players have come in and hopefully they will gel quickly."
