Steve Sidwell believes Villa need to develop a winning mentality akin to the likes of former clubs Chelsea and Arsenal if they are to realise their top four ambitions.

The former Chelsea man has been forced to watch much of Villa’s flying start to the season from the sidelines due to injury but has been impressed with what he has seen so far.

Sidwell, who hopes to make his first Premier League start in Monday’s trip to Newcastle, revealed confidence is high following Villa’s recent success.

He admits self belief in the camp could still go further.

He said: “We have to maintain our performances and really push on. I don’t believe the squad really believes in just how far they can go this year.

“I think we have belief that we can go out there and win games but if we can just install that winning mentality and really believe. We do believe at the moment but there is a thin line between believing and really pushing yourself to the limit.”

It is a mentality Sidwell has already experienced. He grew up a Gunner as part of Arsenal’s youth team before being sold to Reading.

After a spell at the Madejski Stadium, Jose Mourinho brought him to Chelsea in summer 2007 where Sidwell again became accustomed to expecting to win every match.

Sidwell said: “I grew up at Arsenal and even in my youth team days we had this winning mentality driven into us.”