If the form of a player was analysed by a graph, Jloyd Samuel's would resemble the share price of Marconi.

Initially, the performances were superlative but those days, just like easy pickings in the technology sector, are a memory.

Samuel was so good at leftback for Aston Villa last term that he earned a call-up to the England squad but this season could hardly be more contrasting.

It came to a head during the match at home to Arsenal on February 5 when, having been substituted, he was jeered off the pitch by a small but vocal section of the Villa supporters.

Not one to hide from the truth, Samuel accepts that his performances have been unacceptable. He could point to a groin injury as a reason for his decline but he will not make that an excuse.

It is likely that Samuel would already have had an operation had Villa not suffered with the smallest squad in the Premiership.

"I admit I haven't moved on but that's life and it's how I get over it," Samuel said. "This is probably the worst I've been to be honest but I'm not going to let it get me down.

"If this is the way it's going to be then I've got to keep working hard. It's been an up and down season for me.

"I feel I started off quite well but my form has been indifferent. It's how you bounce back that's important. I've just got to keep plugging away and hopefully I can get back to what I'm good at.

"Ashley Cole has shown if you want it badly enough, you can do it. That's what I've got to try and do. I just want to get my form back and keep winning games.

"At this moment in time I don't feel as if I deserve anything. It sounds harsh but I'm an honest person and that's how I feel.

"Team-mates and management can only encourage me but it's something I've got to do myself."

Samuel is anxious to make amends and prove to supporters that his form last season was typical of his ability rather than an accident. The England squad seems far away but he has the ability and the mental fortitude to recover.

"I'm still playing through pain now and it's just a case of getting through the season and playing as many games as possible," Samuel said.

"Hopefully I won't need an operation because I've been doing rehabilitation work and strengthening work on my groin which is helping but I won't be fully fit until next season.

"This is definitely the worst injury I've had but I'm still able to play, so I'm sure there's a lot worse I could have."

Gareth Barry is another to have suffered a slump in form, although his performances have improved since the match at Manchester United last month. He wishes it was the same for Villa.

"What we need to do now is string a few wins together - that's what makes the difference," Barry said.

"Back-to-back wins can move you up three or four places and we haven't had too many of those this season.

"Our results this time last season lifted us up the table and we were unlucky not to qualify for Europe. This time we could go one better."