Villa new signing Stephen Warnock is targeting a Champions League place next season despite watching his new club slip out of the Europa League.

The 27-year-old completed a £7million move from Blackburn in time to watch the claret and blues tumble out of European competition for another season last night, on the away goals rule against Rapid Vienna.

But the left-back believes there is enough at Villa Park to make last season’s push for fourth a reality this time, and with it the chance to compete for the richest prize in club football.

Warnock said: “The main aim is to be pushing for the top four. That’s the ambition.

“The manager is buying some really talented players, young and ambitious, so I’m sure they will see that top-four spot as the goal.”