Villa midfielder Barry Bannan has insisted he wants the challenge of fighting for a place in the first team rather than heading back out on loan.

The 21-year-old has found his opportunities restricted recently as competition for places has hotted up.

Manager Gerard Houllier has brought in Jean Makoun and Michael Bradley during the January transfer window, while Nigel Reo-Coker and Stiliyan Petrov have both returned from injury.

Bannan has not started a game in the Premier League since the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on December 28, but the Scotland international believes his game will develop better by remaining at Villa.

He said: “My loans have been good for me but I don’t really want to go out on loan again.

“Going to Derby when I was younger, then Blackpool last season was brilliant, but now I’ve played in the Premier League I think I’m good enough to play for this club.

“I’m just going to keep working hard and improving as much as I can. You want to be playing week-in, week-out but I’m still young. I’ve had a good few games already this season.

“I wouldn’t say I’m frustrated, but after getting a taste for it I want more. I’m training hard so hopefully I can get my place in the side back again.

“I have come a long way in a short space of time, so I’m just enjoying it at the moment.”

Bannan, who impressed as captain of Villa’s reserve team in their 2-2 draw with Chelsea last night, also admitted that Houllier has told him he is a key player for the future.

The Scot said: “I have not been playing but the manager’s been brilliant. He’s just let me know that I’m a big part of his plans. He doesn’t need to go out of his way to do that, but he has.

“It hasn’t knocked my confidence because the gaffer has been brilliant with me and has kept my head up.

“I don’t want to be anywhere else. If you’re out on loan and there are a few injuries you can’t come back and play for Villa.

“I’m going to stick around and try and work hard in training and force my way in. I enjoy training and trying to be better everyone else.

“Then hopefully if I get back in the team it’s because I’ve been doing well and I’m ahead of other people.”